China’s BYD Eyes Entry Into Canadian EV Market

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is looking to expand into the Canadian automotive market, according to a recent regulatory filing. The move comes as Ottawa is considering the introduction of tariffs on vehicle imports from China.
The document also addressed the potential implementation of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs), but did not provide a timeline for BYD’s plans.
The Epoch Times contacted BYD for comment, but didn’t receive a response prior to publication.
Ottawa launched a 30-day public consultation July 2 to receive feedback on imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland described the process as necessary to prevent “unfair competition” from China.
“Launching these consultations will help us work collaboratively with unions, with industry, and with all levels of government to develop options to make sure that Canada does not become a dumping ground for Chinese oversupply.”
Ford has advocated for Canada following the U.S. example by implementing a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs. He said Beijing’s imports are harming Canadian jobs, and that China is leveraging its “low labour standards and dirty energy” to flood markets in other countries with cheap vehicles.
Canada and the U.S. have been aligning their EV industries in recent years, including critical minerals, batteries, and EV manufacturing itself.
The effort is in large part an attempt to keep China from making a dent in North America’s auto industry. The sector accounts for almost 5 percent of the U.S. economy and more than 2 percent in Canada.