The ministries said Beijing will challenge the decision before the World Trade Organization and take unspecified "countermeasures". The Ministry of Commerce said the tariff "seriously violates" international trade rules, urging the US to "engage in frank dialogue and strengthen cooperation",
US President Donald Trump on Sunday criticised the trade deficits that the US has with Canada, Mexico, China, and argued that America should no longer "subsidise" other countries, and urged businesses to manufacture domestically to avoid tariffs.
A day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a 25 per cent retaliatory tariff in response to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, Trump claimed that the United States subsidises Canada and suggested that the country would not be viable without American support.
In a statement from the White House, Trump accused Canada of playing a "central role" in this influx, including by "failing to devote sufficient attention and resources" or "meaningfully coordinate" with the US law enforcement partners to effectively stem the tide of illicit drugs.
China has said that the US unilateral tariff hikes severely violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this move cannot solve the problems of the US at home and does not benefit either side.
While addressing a press conference on Saturday (local time), Trudeau stressed that Canada's response will be "far-reaching" and will include everyday items like American beer, wine, bourbon fruits and fruit juices.
This comes after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs, including fentanyl.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on Sunday to the United States' decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods, stating that 'Canadians did not want this, but are prepared.'
The US President has taken action under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), emphasizing the need to protect Americans and fulfil a campaign promise.
The White House confirmed on Friday that President Donald Trump will be slapping aggressive tariffs this weekend on major US trading partners including Canada, China and Mexico.