Canadian businesses can request relief from China’s EV, steel tariffs – National
Canadian firms can request a temporary tariff reduction on sales of Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday.
The Ministry said in a statement that assistance will be provided under certain and different conditions. The move is designed to help firms adjust their supply chains to cope with the new tariffs, the statement said.
Canada announced the measures in late August, citing China’s deliberate government-directed policy of overtaking. A 100% surtax on EVs was imposed on Oct. 1 while a 25% surtax on steel and aluminum products comes into force on Oct. 22.
“To ensure that the Canadian industry has sufficient time to repair the chains, the amnesty will provide assistance … under certain and unique conditions,” the department said.
Get the latest country news
For news that affects Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
“The federal government will consider the appropriate period for the pardon, with the aim of granting it only on a temporary basis in most cases,” according to the ministry.
Exemption will be considered in the following cases:
*Instances where goods used as inputs, or as substitutes for such goods, cannot be obtained domestically or reasonably from non-Chinese sources.
*Where there are contractual requirements, existing before Aug. 26, 2024, which requires businesses to purchase Chinese inputs for their products or projects for a certain period of time.
*Other exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis, that could have a significant negative impact on the economy.
Exemption will not be granted for goods intended for resale in the same condition to the United States.
–Reporting by David Ljunggren; Edited by Mark Porter
