In a significant move echoing U.S. policies, Canada has announced steep tariffs on imports from the Chinese mainland, targeting electric vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminum. Starting October 1, a 100 percent surtax will be applied to all Chinese-made electric and hybrid passenger cars, trucks, buses, and delivery vans. Additionally, from October 15, imports of steel and aluminum products from China will face a 25 percent surtax.
This decision closely follows a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on August 25. The very next day, Canada declared its intent to impose high tariffs on Chinese imports, signaling a unified front with the United States. Sullivan commented, \"The U.S. does believe that a united front, a coordinated approach on these issues benefits all of us,\" while Trudeau emphasized the importance of standing together against competitive challenges, stating, \"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. Unless we all want to get to a race to the bottom, we have to stand up.\"
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed this stance, highlighting concerns over China's industrial policies. \"China has an intentional state-directed policy of overcapacity and oversupply designed to cripple our own industry. We simply will not allow that to happen to our EV sector, which has shown such promise,\" Freeland stated.
While Canada touts its actions as part of an independent trade policy, analysts suggest that the alignment with U.S. interests underscores a broader strategy to counter China's growing influence. China's electric vehicle market has been rapidly expanding, with official data indicating that in 2023 alone, China sold 9.495 million new-energy vehicles, accounting for over 60 percent of global NEV sales. This surge has positioned China's EV industry as a focal point in international trade dynamics, particularly amidst U.S. efforts to contain its growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
