Ontario Premier Doug Ford penned an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizing the necessity of upholding Canada’s 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. Ford highlighted the tariff’s crucial role in advancing trade negotiations with the U.S. and safeguarding Canada’s automotive industry.
Ford stressed that removing the tariffs on Chinese-made EVs would undermine ongoing discussions with U.S. officials regarding the protection and enhancement of cross-border automotive supply chains. He pointed out that the tariff protects 157,000 jobs and preserves the substantial investments of $46 billion made by the Ontario and federal governments in developing Canada’s electric vehicle and battery supply chains since 2020.
Canada imposed the 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EV imports in October 2024, aligning with the decision made by former President Joe Biden to implement a similar tariff in late September 2024. The federal government justified the tariff by accusing China of unfairly subsidizing its EV industry and saturating markets with inexpensive vehicles.
China criticized the tariff as a “protectionist” measure that negatively impacts trade relations between China and Canada. Carney recently met with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to discuss China’s tariffs on Canadian canola, believed to be in retaliation for the electric vehicle tariff.
Notably, Ford warned that Canada risks isolating itself in the North American market if the Chinese EV tariffs are eliminated at this juncture. In response, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu revealed that the finance department is currently evaluating the electric vehicle tariff. Sidhu also acknowledged an invitation from Saskatchewan’s trade minister to join a future trade mission to China, indicating strong consideration of the offer.