Canada should not ape US by imposing tariffs on EVs

In a mimicry of the US, imposing sanctions of up to 100 percent on Chinese-made EVs, the EU has now declared temporary anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 38.1 percent on these vehicles. Adding to the strain, Canada, despite limited trade with China in automobiles, is mirroring the US' actions by readying itself to levy tariffs on EVs imported from China.

In June, Doug Ford, premier of Canada's Ontario province, said he hoped the Justin Trudeau government would impose as much extra tariffs on Chinese-made EVs as the US.

In fact, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced that a 30-day public consultation period has been initiated from Tuesday to discuss a series of proposed measures on Chinese-made EVs, including imposing additional taxes under Section 53 of Canada's Customs Act, as well as adjusting federal zero-emission vehicle incentive programs and investment restrictions among other potential options.