Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will impose high taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China, similar to what the U.S. is doing.
Starting October 1, there will be a 100% tax on these Chinese-made EVs, which could double their prices in Canada. Trudeau explained that this move aims to protect Canadian workers and the country’s growing EV industry.
He made this statement during a meeting with his cabinet, where they discussed plans for the future. The Canadian government wants to ensure that the local EV industry can compete fairly against the heavily state-supported Chinese cars.
In addition to EVs, Trudeau also revealed that Canada will place a 25% tax on Chinese steel and aluminum products beginning October 15.
He emphasized that these actions are necessary to prevent China from gaining an unfair advantage in the global market.
However, China has criticized these tariffs, stating they could harm Canadian consumers and businesses and hinder efforts to combat climate change.
This decision comes after the U.S. pushed for similar measures to limit the import of Chinese EVs. Trudeau’s move is seen as a way to protect Canada’s investment in local EV production, especially in light of planned facilities like the new Stellantis and Volkswagen factories.
While the new tariffs aim to support Canadian industry, some climate activists worry that it could make EVs more expensive and slow down the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
CBC News reports that Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also criticized China’s labor and environmental practices, calling the Chinese industry harmful to both workers and the environment.
This perspective highlights how Canada is trying to balance economic interests with environmental and ethical concerns .
Credit : CBC News
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-halifax-tariffs-china-evs-1.7304773