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Canada Mulls Surtax on Chinese Critical Mineral Products, Batteries, Solar Products

The sun rises against high-rise buildings in Beijing on September 6, 2024. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
The sun rises against high-rise buildings in Beijing on September 6, 2024. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
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Canada Mulls Surtax on Chinese Critical Mineral Products, Batteries, Solar Products

The sun rises against high-rise buildings in Beijing on September 6, 2024. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
The sun rises against high-rise buildings in Beijing on September 6, 2024. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)

Canada has said it was considering a potential surtax on Chinese critical mineral products, batteries and parts, solar products, and semiconductors, a move which could prompt more retaliation from Beijing.
Canada announced last month it would impose a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese electric vehicles and announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from China.
According to Reuters, the finance ministry said in a statement it was launching a 30-day public consultation period on the potential surtax. It ran a similar exercise before the first tariff announcement.
"Canadian workers, the auto sector, and related critical manufacturing supply chains currently face unfair competition from Chinese producers, who benefit from China's intentional, state-directed policy of overcapacity," it said.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson described the Canadian announcement as "expanding its unilateralism and protectionism measures,” adding that "China strongly opposes such measures and will continue to take resolute measures to defend its legitimate rights."
China, which deplored the tariffs unveiled in August, announced on Monday the start of a one-year anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed from Canada.

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Global Firms to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Speeds Up AI Progress

Panel discussion at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Global Firms to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Speeds Up AI Progress

Panel discussion at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Global tech companies at the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh emphasized Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, noting the Kingdom’s growing leadership in the field.

They highlighted the summit as a key opportunity for businesses to expand their local and international partnerships.

In talks with Asharq Al-Awsat, they described the summit as a major event that shapes the future of AI, helping to address challenges and fully leverage the technology.

The companies also pointed out that AI, closely tied to cloud computing, provides dynamic and complex solutions. They stressed that managing and protecting AI requires top-notch cybersecurity standards.

Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Thehaiban, managing director of Google Cloud for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa region (META), stressed the importance of AI, which is closely linked to cloud computing and offers innovative, adaptable solutions.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Thehaiban highlighted Google Cloud’s role in the event. He emphasized the company’s goal to connect with clients locally and globally, showcasing its AI technology solutions.

Al-Thehaiban said Google Cloud meets all AI needs for businesses and governments, including those related to climate change. He mentioned partnerships with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) that have trained women in AI.

He added that AI now significantly impacts not just businesses and governments but also individuals, with increasing reliance on the technology.

Al-Thehaiban also noted that while data collection was a major focus six years ago, it is now crucial for implementing AI solutions.

Ahmed Al-Reshoodi, COO of Saudi Cloud Computing Co., told Asharq Al-Awsat that AI needs advanced cloud services and strong data management and cybersecurity.

At the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh, he noted his company’s focus on localizing the latest technologies in Saudi data centers, operated by local talent, supporting Vision 2030 goals.

Al-Reshoodi said the company works with various organizations across the Kingdom, including government, private, financial, and small businesses.

He highlighted that AI is increasingly used in smart cities, financial tech, and healthcare, and emphasized his company’s commitment to meeting Saudi Arabia’s growing cloud service needs.