China files appeal to WTO on Canada's tariffs on EVs, metal products

A logo is seen at the WTO in Geneva·Reuters

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China's commerce ministry said on Wednesday it has asked the World Trade Organization (WTO) to rule on Canada's imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as well as steel and aluminum products.

Following the lead of the United States and European Union, Canada began imposing on Tuesday a 100% levy on EVs shipped from China, having also announced in late August a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum products.

"China has raised a litigation to the WTO over Canada's unilateral and trade protectionist measures, and will conduct anti-discriminatory probe into these restrictive measures," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry repeated its strong opposition to the tariffs, which it says will "disrupt and distort global industrial and supply chain."

(Reporting by Chen Aizhu; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)