A staffer works in a steel company that makes high-end automotive spring steel in Ma'anshan, East China's Anhui Province on June 24, 2025. Chinese companies are advancing their efforts in new quality productive forces, a new development paradigm, to improve total factor productivity. Photo: VCG

China is deeply dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to Canada's imposition of tariffs on products containing Chinese steel, and will take all necessary measures to safeguard the lawful rights of Chinese enterprises, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his government is significantly restricting foreign imports of steel — Chinese ones in particular. He also said he was increasing spending on subsidies for Canada’s domestic industries and workers affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Friday that China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes Canadian government's tightening of restrictions on steel imports. The remarks are made as comments after the Department of Finance Canada on July 16,

Canada’s international trade minister said on Thursday that there was interest from both sides to advance trade talks with South American bloc Mercosur, as Ottawa seeks new deals in a push to diversify from the U.

Tariffs—taxes placed on imported goods—are one of the oldest tools in the United States' economic policy arsenal, dating back to the 18th century. Recently they've returned to the spotlight in a big way.