Chinese EVs inch closer to the US as Canada slashes tariffs

Canada Cuts Import Tax on Chinese EVs, Opening Doors for Market Expansion

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a significant announcement on Friday regarding a new strategic partnership with China. The country has decided to reduce its import tax on Chinese electric vehicles from 100% to just 6.1%. This move paves the way for companies like Geely, BYD, Xiaomi, and others to establish a stronger presence in the North American automotive market.

While Canada is easing restrictions on Chinese EVs, there are limitations in place to control the influx of vehicles. Initially, the country will cap annual imports at 49,000 vehicles, with plans to gradually increase this number to around 70,000 over the next five years, as reported by the Associated Press.

This shift comes at a time when China is focused on boosting its EV exports, especially with the European Union considering lowering tariffs on these vehicles. Despite the U.S. maintaining its stance on tariffs, President Trump recently expressed openness to Chinese automakers establishing factories in the country to produce electric vehicles.

Chinese automakers have already been exporting various types of vehicles to Mexico, with electric vehicles experiencing rapid growth in 2025. Leading EV manufacturers in China, like Geely, have been eager to enter the U.S. market. Geely recently showcased its models at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, hinting at a potential entry into the U.S. market within the next few years.

Despite the positive reception of Chinese EVs by automotive experts and industry players, the 100% tariff on these vehicles has been a major obstacle to exporting them to the U.S. Chinese EVs are competitively priced compared to U.S. vehicles, primarily due to lower costs of capital, labor, and aggressive market share acquisition strategies.

In addition to pricing concerns, the U.S. has been working to reduce its dependency on China’s EV supply chain for national security reasons. Legal barriers, such as restrictions on certain connected vehicles linked to China or Russia, have also added complexity to importing and selling Chinese EVs in the U.S.

On the subject of allowing Chinese automakers to build cars in the U.S., CEO Avery Ash of Securing America’s Future Energy expressed caution. He warned that such a move could have detrimental effects on the American automotive industry, the defense industrial base, and national security. Ash emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast against Chinese influence and protecting American auto manufacturers and workers.