Doug Ford says Canada-China trade deal threatens auto industry

Doug Ford criticized a reported Canada-China trade deal he called a threat to the auto industry; the agreement was reported to cut canola tariffs substantially and allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at a much lower tariff.

Doug Ford criticized a recently reported Canada-China trade deal and described it as a threat to the auto industry. The agreement was reported to lower trade barriers and rebuild ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney was reported to say canola tariffs would fall from 85 per cent to about 15 per cent combined by March 1. The deal was also reported to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at a tariff near six per cent, down from roughly 100 per cent, and to include visa-free travel for Canadians. Key points: - Doug Ford criticized the deal and said it threatens the auto industry. - The agreement was reported to reduce canola tariffs from 85 per cent to about 15 per cent by March 1. - The deal would allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at about a six per cent tariff, down from roughly 100 per cent. - China was reported to offer visa-free travel to Canadian citizens as part of the agreement. Summary: The reported agreement would lower multiple trade barriers, including substantial cuts to canola tariffs and a quota for Chinese electric vehicles, and was described by Doug Ford as a risk to the auto sector. Officials reported a timeline for some tariff changes, including the canola tariff shift by March 1. Undetermined at this time.