Ford remains opposed to lowering tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is '100 per cent dead against' removing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles while Prime Minister Mark Carney visits China to discuss trade and other issues.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his opposition to rolling back tariffs on electric vehicles made in China at a news event as Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to China on a trade mission. The tariffs were introduced at 100 per cent in recent years and were framed as a measure to protect Canada's domestic auto industry. China responded to those duties by imposing tariffs on Canadian canola, seafood and pork, which has kept pressure on Ottawa from some provincial leaders. Carney's trip includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and is the first prime ministerial visit to China since 2017. Key points: - Doug Ford said he is "100 per cent dead against" removing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, citing concern for Ontario jobs and the auto sector. - Canada imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs in recent years with the stated aim of protecting the domestic auto industry. - China retaliated by levying tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods, including canola, seafood and pork. - Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting China to engage on trade, energy, agriculture and international security, and will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. - Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is accompanying Carney to raise the issue of Chinese tariffs on canola. - Automotive industry representative Flavio Volpe said Chinese manufacturers that invest in Canada and source locally would be treated differently, and last year China's ambassador said BYD had shown interest in investing in Canada. Summary: Carney's trip to China places federal trade talks and provincial economic concerns in the same frame, with Ontario's premier opposing any rollback of EV tariffs while other provinces press for relief on agricultural tariffs. How tariff issues will be resolved between Ottawa and Beijing is undetermined at this time.