OTTAWA - Canada is standing firm on its steel tariffs following a complaint from China at the World Trade Organization. Beijing has challenged Canada's 25 percent surtax on imports containing steel that is melted or poured in China. The Chinese government claims these tariffs are discriminatory and is urging Canada to reconsider its position.

The surtax was implemented by Prime Minister Mark Carney last month. The move aims to protect Canada's domestic steel industry amid ongoing global trade tensions, particularly related to the United States' trade policies and allegations of steel dumping from various foreign markets.

A spokesperson for International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu stated that Canada's tariffs are a direct response to China's actions that disrupt traditional market dynamics. Huzaif Qaisar, Sidhu's communications director, emphasized that Chinese overcapacity is harming Canada's steel sector and jeopardizing jobs in the country.

Qaisar also noted that the tariffs align with international trade obligations. In light of the complaint, Canada is seeking to convene a meeting of the joint economic and trade commission with China to address its concerns directly.