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OTTAWA \u2014 Canada is defending its steel tariffs against China after Beijing lodged a complaint last week at the World Trade Organization.<\/p>\n
Beijing is taking issue with Canada\u2019s 25 per cent surtax on imports that contain steel melted or poured in China, calling the duties discriminatory and urging Ottawa to reverse course.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Mark Carney imposed the tariff last month in a bid to protect Canada\u2019s domestic industry amid the United States\u2019 global trade war and allegations of steel dumping from some foreign markets.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu says Canada\u2019s tariffs are in direct response to China\u2019s efforts to act outside traditional market dynamics.<\/p>\n
Sidhu\u2019s communications director Huzaif Qaisar says Chinese overcapacity is undermining Canada\u2019s steel sector and threatening Canadian jobs.<\/p>\n
He says the tariffs are consistent with international trade obligations and Canada is pressing for a joint economic and trade commission meeting with China to put its concerns on the table.<\/p>\n
\u00a92025 The Canadian Press<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n