CHINA INITIATES ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION INTO CANADIAN CANOLA IMPORTS

BEIJING, Sept 3 (Bernama-dpa) -- China announced on Tuesday that it has launched an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports, reported German news agency dpa.

The move is in response to Canada imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. According to the Chinese Commerce Ministry, Canadian canola exports to China have surged and are allegedly being sold at prices below production costs.

The ministry said that "unfair trade practices" had caused losses in the domestic canola sector.

The ministry also announced plans to launch an "anti-discrimination investigation" against the tariffs imposed by Canada and to seek a dispute settlement at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 

China said it would "take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

The Canadian government announced last week it will levy a 100 per cent tariff on imports of electric cars from China starting on October 1.

Ottawa simultaneously announced tariffs of 25 per cent on Chinese steel and aluminium products effective October 15.

The US government imposed additional tariffs of 100 per cent on electric cars from China in May. 

The European Commission followed suit in June with its own plans, which provide for different tariffs depending on the Chinese manufacturer. 

There is concern in the US, Canada, and Europe that cheap Chinese electric vehicles will flood their markets and drive local manufacturers and suppliers out of business.

--BERNAMA-dpa