OTTAWA — China has escalated its trade dispute with Canada by filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization regarding Canadian steel tariffs. The complaint was submitted earlier today, targeting Canadian restrictions on imports that include steel melted or poured in China.

Last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a 25 percent surtax on products containing Chinese steel. This decision was made to safeguard the Canadian domestic industry amid significant tariffs imposed by the United States.

In response, China has labeled the Canadian duties as "discriminatory." A statement from the Chinese commerce ministry expressed disappointment over the tariffs and urged Canada to "correct its erroneous actions."

The trade tensions between the two countries have intensified this week. Beijing recently imposed a nearly 76 percent tariff on Canadian canola seed, which appears to be a retaliatory measure against Canada’s existing 100 percent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

This ongoing trade conflict highlights the growing economic rift between Canada and China, as both nations navigate their respective trade policies.