China has launched an anti-discrimination investigation into Canada's recent trade-restrictive measures targeting imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The initial information and evidence gathered indicate that Canada's imposition of additional tariffs on targeted Chinese imports constitutes discriminatory trade measures under Chinese law, the Ministry said in a statement.

The investigation, which began on Thursday, will typically last for 3 months, though the ministry stated that the timeline may be extended in special circumstances as needed.

These decisions came after Canada announced in late August that it will implement a 100-percent surtax on all Chinese-made EVs, effective from Oct 1, and impose a 25-percent surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China starting from Oct 15.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn