Canada has taken a significant step towards normalizing its trade relations with China by drastically reducing tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to just 6.1 percent, a far cry from the 100 percent tariff imposed by the US. As part of this new deal, China has agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian canola seeds from 84 percent to around 15 percent.
This development marks a shift away from the US's hardline stance, which effectively bans Chinese EVs in the country due to its 100 percent tariff. Mexico currently imposes a 50 percent tariff on such vehicles, but Canada is now opening its market with minimal restrictions.
Under the agreement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed China as a new trading partner, citing "progress" and a more predictable relationship between the two nations. While some have expressed concerns that cheaper Chinese EVs could harm the Canadian auto industry, Carney remains unconcerned, noting that such imports represent only a small fraction of the country's overall automotive market.
The loosening of trade restrictions comes as China seeks to strengthen its relationships with countries outside the US, potentially gaining an advantage in an increasingly interconnected global economy. With Canada and China now enjoying a more collaborative relationship, it remains to be seen how this will impact other nations that have historically aligned against Beijing.
This development marks a shift away from the US's hardline stance, which effectively bans Chinese EVs in the country due to its 100 percent tariff. Mexico currently imposes a 50 percent tariff on such vehicles, but Canada is now opening its market with minimal restrictions.
Under the agreement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed China as a new trading partner, citing "progress" and a more predictable relationship between the two nations. While some have expressed concerns that cheaper Chinese EVs could harm the Canadian auto industry, Carney remains unconcerned, noting that such imports represent only a small fraction of the country's overall automotive market.
The loosening of trade restrictions comes as China seeks to strengthen its relationships with countries outside the US, potentially gaining an advantage in an increasingly interconnected global economy. With Canada and China now enjoying a more collaborative relationship, it remains to be seen how this will impact other nations that have historically aligned against Beijing.