Overview
- Canada confirmed imports of up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs a year at a 6.1% tariff, replacing the 100% duty set in 2024 and including a target for half to be priced under $35,000 by 2030.
- In return, China agreed to ease duties on Canadian agricultural products as Ottawa frames the pact as a pathway to joint ventures and eventual local manufacturing.
- Chinese Ambassador Wang Di said the arrangement will create auto jobs and cheaper cars for Canadians and called for a fair, predictable business environment for Chinese investors.
- Chery Automobile has begun recruiting to build a Canadian sales operation and open an office, positioning itself to be an early entrant under the new import quota.
- Opposition escalated as Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged a nationwide boycott and raised spying concerns, Unifor warned of job risks, and Mexico raised tariffs on Chinese vehicles to 50% on Jan. 1, signaling a divergent regional approach.