Senior officials in the Trump administration warned that Canada will come to regret its decision to allow China to ship up to 49,000 electric vehicles into the country, insisting those cars will not be permitted to enter the United States.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered the sharp message during a visit to an auto plant in Ohio, where he promoted efforts to make vehicles more affordable. He argued that Canada’s move risks giving China a stronger foothold in North America at a time when Washington is tightening restrictions on foreign autos and parts.
Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs in 2024, mirroring US measures. Its recent decision to allow a limited number of imports has raised concerns in Washington, though US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the policy would not disrupt American exports to Canada. He stressed that the vehicles are headed only for the Canadian market.
Greer later described Canada’s decision as problematic, saying the United States maintains high tariffs to protect American auto workers and consumers. He also questioned a related agreement in which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said China would reduce tariffs on canola seed by early March.
Greer argued that Canada may ultimately regret the deal and noted that new US rules introduced in January 2025 on internet connected and navigation equipped vehicles create major barriers for Chinese models. He said strict cybersecurity requirements would make it difficult for Chinese automakers to operate in the US market.
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