Canada is taking further action to ensure those who do not support the rules-based international order cannot benefit from it.
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The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that the Government of Canada has issued the Most-Favoured-Nation Tariff Withdrawal Order (2022-1), removing these countries’ entitlement to the Most-Favoured-Nation Tariff (MFN) treatment under the Customs Tariff.
This Order results in the application of the General Tariff for goods imported into Canada that originate from Russia or Belarus. Under the General Tariff, a tariff rate of 35 per cent will now be applicable on virtually all of these imports.
Russia and Belarus will join North Korea as the only countries whose imports are subject to the General Tariff.
“Today, I am announcing that Canada will be the first country to revoke Russia’s and Belarus’s Most-Favoured-Nation status as a trading partner under Canadian law. We are working closely with our partners and allies to encourage them to take the same step," the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
"Simply put, this means that Russia and Belarus will no longer receive the benefits – particularly low tariffs – that Canada offers to other countries that are fellow members of the WTO. The economic costs of the Kremlin’s barbaric war are already high, and they will continue to rise. Canada and our allies are united in our condemnation of President Putin and his war of aggression, and we are united in our support for the remarkable Ukrainians who are so bravely resisting his assault.â€
This measure has been taken under section 31 of the Customs Tariff, and applies for 180 days, unless extended by a resolution adopted by both Houses of Parliament.
A tariff rate of 35 per cent will apply to virtually all imports. Where MFN rates are higher, the higher rates will continue to apply. ■