Canada urged to rethink Chinese EV import taxes

Canada could defuse its trade conflict with China and restore billions of dollars in farm exports by scaling back tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, an expert has said.

Jiang Wenran, president of the Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum, said the tariffs on Chinese EVs were initiated by Canada — widely viewed as Ottawa aligning with policies of former US president Joe Biden's administration despite there being "no clear rationale" for them.

With Canada imposing a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs in October, China hit back in March with 100 percent duties on Canadian canola oil, oilseed and pea imports and a 25 percent tariff on aquaculture products and pork.