Six major Chinese industry associations and business groups jointly voiced support on Saturday for the Ministry of Commerce's (MOFCOM) ruling on anti-discrimination investigation into Canada's restrictive trade practices.

Their statements followed the MOFCOM's ruling that Canada's restrictive measures against certain Chinese products constitute discriminatory trade restrictions. The investigation result determined that Canada's measures amount to discriminatory restrictions, disrupting normal trade and harming the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

The ruling was widely endorsed by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC), China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CMRA), China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), and China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-Products (CFNA).

Canada announced earlier that it would impose a 100 percent tariff on imports of Chinese EVs from October 1, 2024 and a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and aluminum from China starting from October 22, 2024.

The CAAM stated in a statement on Saturday that Canada's actions jeopardize the stability of the global automotive supply chain, and obstruct the normal economic and trade cooperation between the Chinese and Canadian automobile sectors.

"The development of China's EV industry is based on its comparative advantages and is a result of open competition," the CAAM stated, noting that Chinese EVs are popular among global consumers, including Canadians, and play a crucial role in combating climate change and advancing green transformation. The association called for continued dialogue between the Chinese government and Canadian stakeholders to maintain a healthy global trade order.

According to the CISA, Canada's additional tariffs on Chinese steel are a clear example of unilateralism and trade protectionism that disrupts the global steel supply chain and undermines the multilateral trading system. Protectionist measures against Chinese steel have not resulted in freer trade elsewhere; instead, Canada has become a victim of its own protectionism. The association urges Canada to immediately stop discriminatory measures and return to the multilateral trading system.

The CMRA, representing China's nonferrous metals industry, stressed that trade and cooperation between the aluminum industries of China and Canada fully benefit the development needs of the upstream and downstream enterprises in both countries and are based entirely on the principles of fair market practices. China's export of aluminum products to Canada has not caused any harm to Canada; on the contrary, it has been welcomed by Canadian downstream customers and users.

Canada's unilateral tariff imposition seriously violates WTO rules, causing significant negative impacts on the aluminum industries of both countries and undermining the stability of global economic and trade cooperation, the CMRA said, urging Canada to end unfair measures.

Global Times