Geely's Lotus brand will ship electric vehicles to Canada next month, part of a deal to diversify trade and reduce tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Chinese EV maker Geely's Lotus brand will ship its first batch of electric vehicles to Canada next month under a deal between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Xi Jinping, reported Reuters.
The agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada annually at reduced tariffs, as part of Carney's push to diversify trade away from the US. Ambassador Wang Di stated that other Chinese brands, including Chery and BYD, are working with Canadian agencies to finalize approvals. Some vehicles have already been tested in Canadian conditions, officials said.
China Economic Review commented that the deal opens the door for Chinese EVs into North America, reflecting Ottawa's response to heightened tensions with Washington under President Donald Trump. Mr. Carney has urged Middle Powers to cooperate against what he calls a weakening rules-based order, and his EV decision underscores a more independent trade policy.
Analysts say the move gives China a foothold in one of the world's largest auto markets by revenue. With Chinese EVs already present in Mexico and now entering Canada, manufacturers are positioned to expand into the US market, which they have openly targeted.
