First Chinese-Branded EVs to Enter Canada in July
N.R. Finch
Geely's Lotus brand will ship electric vehicles to Canada next month — the first Chinese-owned, Chinese-made cars sold under the bilateral EV deal, marking the concrete start of Ottawa's push to diversify trade away from the U.S.
What exactly is arriving?
Lotus EVs will land in Canada in July, with a delivery ceremony planned in Montreal.
They are the first Chinese-owned, Chinese-manufactured EVs to enter Canada under the bilateral agreement.
The deal, struck between PM Mark Carney and President Xi Jinping, allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs per year at reduced tariffs.
This means → Canada has formally opened a door for Chinese EVs; the 49,000-unit annual quota is the starting scale.
Who else is lining up?
Chery and BYD are coordinating pre-export procedures with Canadian agencies, aiming to clear them by this autumn.
BYD executive VP Stella Li previously told Reuters the company may begin Canadian sales next year.
Notably, Tesla already imports China-made vehicles into Canada — this route is not exclusive to Chinese brands.
How ambitious are the trade targets?
Carney said during his January visit that Canada would seek to lift exports to China by 50% by 2030; Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month said the increase could reach 100%.
Ambassador Wang Di did the math: doubling exports requires annual growth of roughly 15% over five years.
Yet in the five months since Carney's visit, Canadian exports have already risen 27.5%.
In plain terms = at the current pace, 50% looks conservative; Wang Di suggested growth could reach 200%.
Where are the energy and agriculture opportunities?
Canada can supply China with nearly 22 million tonnes of crude oil per year, up from 15.5 million last year; LNG prospects are also viewed favorably.
Canada is a major exporter of canola, peas, and beef, yet holds just 2% of China's agricultural imports.
This means → energy and agriculture are the readiest sources of bilateral trade growth — a 2% share speaks for itself.
When does the tariff uncertainty resolve?
China cut tariffs on some Canadian goods in March, but duties on canola oil and pork remain at 100% and 25%.
Tariff relief on canola meal, peas, and lobster expires at year-end, leaving exporters in limbo.
Wang Di did not say whether China would extend the relief or cut pork and canola-oil duties further.
This reflects a warming relationship where tariff negotiations still proceed item by item, with no blanket deal in sight.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.