Canada has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation against the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States. This came a day after China’s move to approach the global trade platform after Donald Trump increased previously imposed 10% levies to 20% on its goods.
“Canada initiated dispute proceedings yesterday against the US at the WTO on the additional tariffs,” AFP reported quoting a WTO official.
PM Justin Trudeau had criticised the US’s “dumb” trade war after the tariffs took effect on the country’s goods, calling it a move to undermine the Canadian economy. In response, he announced 25% retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of US imports.
Beijing on Tuesday said that it had filed a complaint with the WTO against the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes on Chinese goods.
“The United States’ unilateral tax measures seriously violate WTO rules and undermine the foundation of China-US economic and trade cooperation,” its commerce ministry said.
“China will, in accordance with WTO rules, firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and defend… the international economic and trade order,” it added.
Trump escalated trade tensions on Tuesday by imposing tariffs on America’s three largest trading partners, triggering swift retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China. The move rattled financial markets, raising concerns about renewed inflation and business uncertainty. Just after midnight, Trump enforced a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, while Canadian energy faced a lower 10% levy. Additionally, he doubled last month’s tariff on Chinese goods, increasing it to 20%.