Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to maintain the high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles during his upcoming visit to China. The tariffs were imposed in conjunction with the United States to safeguard Canada’s domestic auto industry, leading to retaliatory tariffs from China on canola, seafood, and pork. Despite pressure from Prairie premiers to lift the tariffs for the benefit of Canadian farmers and producers, Ford, a staunch supporter of the province’s auto sector, emphasized the importance of holding the line.
Ford emphasized the need for China to invest in manufacturing facilities in Ontario and employ local workers rather than importing cars not made by Ontarians. Trade discussions, including the contentious issue of EV tariffs, will be a crucial part of Carney’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials. The aim is to mend the strained relationship that deteriorated in 2018 due to the detention of Canadians by China following Canada’s actions against Huawei Technologies.
The agenda for the discussions includes trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. Ford reiterated his stance that electric vehicles should be produced domestically, highlighting the skill and expertise of Canadian auto workers as the essential compromise. China’s interest in investing in Canada’s electric vehicle sector was hinted at by the Chinese ambassador to Canada, who mentioned that the electric vehicle giant BYD had considered investing in Canada but faced obstacles that led them to abandon the idea. The ambassador noted that BYD’s presence in Canada could have provided high-quality and affordable electric vehicles to Canadians.