Nearly 16,000 Chinese EVs reach Canada against 49,000-vehicle quota

Nearly 16,000 Chinese electric vehicles have arrived in Canada so far this year under a trade agreement between Canada and China, putting imports at less than one-third of the 49,000-vehicle quota set for 2026.

According to Huzaif Qaisar, communications director to International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, three companies have so far received approval to bring vehicles into Canada under the quota. Qaisar said some other companies have also expressed interest in entering the Canadian market but are still considering their options.

The agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reached in January, reduced Canada’s import duty on Chinese electric vehicles from 100 per cent to 6.1 per cent. In return, China agreed to reduce retaliatory tariffs on Canadian seafood, canola seed and other agricultural products.

Most of the Chinese-made EVs that have arrived in Canada so far include Tesla vehicles manufactured in China and vehicles from Geely Group’s Lotus brand.

The pace of imports means a significant portion of the 2026 quota remains unused. Further participation by companies considering entry into the Canadian market could determine whether the quota is used more fully later this year.