Canada aligns with US, imposes 100% tariff on Chinese EVs amid global efforts to counter unfair trade practices. (AP/Kelly Clark)

- Canada announces 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs, matching US measures and following EU plans.
- Deputy PM Freeland launches consultation on potential tariffs for Chinese batteries, semiconductors, and more.
- Former ambassador warns of potential Chinese retaliation in other industries, such as barley and pork.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
TORONTO — Canada’s government on Monday announced it is imposing a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles that matches U.S. tariffs and follows similar plans announced by the European Commission.
The announcement came after encouragement by U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and cabinet ministers on Sunday. Sullivan is making his first visit to Beijing on Tuesday.
Trudeau said Canada also will impose a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum.
“Actors like China have chosen to give themselves an unfair advantage in the global marketplace,” he said.
There was no immediate response from China.
Chinese officials are likely to raise concerns about American tariffs with Sullivan as Beijing continues to repair its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. President Joe Biden in May slapped major new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment.
“The U.S. does believe that a united front, a coordinated approach on these issues benefits all of us,” Sullivan told reporters on Sunday.
Related Story: Canada’s 2 Major Freight Railroads at a Full Stop; Government Officials ...
Global Alignment on Chinese Trade Practices
Biden has said Chinese government subsidies for EVs and other consumer goods ensure that Chinese companies don’t have to turn a profit, giving them an unfair advantage in global trade.
Chinese firms can sell EVs for as little as $12,000. China’s solar cell plants and steel and aluminum mills have enough capacity to meet much of the world’s demand. Chinese officials argue their production keeps prices low and would aid a transition to the green economy.
“We’re doing it in alignment, in parallel, with other economies around the world that recognize that this is a challenge that we are all facing,” Trudeau said of the new tariffs. “Unless we all want to get to a race to the bottom, we have to stand up.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada also will launch a 30-day consultation about possible tariffs on Chinese batteries, battery parts, semiconductors, critical minerals, metals and solar panels.
“China has a intentional state-directed policy of overcapacity and oversupply designed to cripple our own industry,” Freeland said. “We simply will not allow that to happen to our EV sector, which has shown such promise.”
The only Chinese-made EVs currently imported into Canada are from Tesla, made at the company’s Shanghai factory.
Related Story: US to Impose Significant Tariffs on Chinese Green Energy Imports, Including EVs
Potential Retaliation and Economic Implications
Canada “had to go with the U.S. position, when you think about the economic integration that we have with the U.S. More than 75% of our exports go to the U.S.,” said a former Canadian ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques. “This reflects the fear that the next president of the United States might be Donald Trump, and so they know we have to be pretty much aligned in all of this.”
Saint-Jacques said Canada can expect retaliation from China in other industries, adding that barley and pork are candidates because the Chinese can get it from other countries.
“China will want to send a message,” he said.
RELATED TOPICS:
Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches at Least 43, Dozens Still Missing
15 minutes ago
California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left
43 minutes ago
How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again
1 day ago
What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.
1 day ago
Trump to Sign Tax-Cut and Spending Bill in July 4 Ceremony
2 days ago
Clovis, Sanger, Madera, and Bass Lake Will Light the Sky With Fireworks Shows Tonight
2 days ago
Oil Dips Ahead of Expected OPEC+ Output Increase
2 days ago
613 Killed at Gaza Aid Distribution Sites, Near Humanitarian Covoys, Says UN
2 days ago
Fresno County Authorities Investigating Suspicious Death of Transient Man
2 days ago
Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US
1 minute ago
Categories

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US

Musk Announces Forming of ‘America Party’ in Further Break From Trump

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches at Least 43, Dozens Still Missing

California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left

How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again

What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.

Trump to Sign Tax-Cut and Spending Bill in July 4 Ceremony
