Overview
- Canada will admit up to 49,000 China-built EVs annually at a 6.1% tariff, a volume officials say is under 3% of the market and could rise toward about 70,000 within five years.
- Half of the initial quota is reserved for models priced under CA$35,000 to expand lower-cost options for buyers.
- Transport Canada says new entrants will receive local certification in roughly eight weeks to speed market access.
- The government expects considerable Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada within three years to bolster EV manufacturing and supply chains.
- Labor and political pushback continues as Unifor and U.S. critics warn of job risks, while automakers including Tesla, BYD, and Geely/Polestar position for access pending quota allocation details.