Chinese Automakers Accelerate Push into Canada as New Trade Deal Slashes Tariffs

Chinese automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery are accelerating their expansion into Canada's electric vehicle (EV) market. Recently, Chery shipped two all-electric SUVs from its Jetour brand—the Jetour E5—to Toronto. The vehicles, bearing Ontario manufacturer license plates, are currently in the country on a temporary import basis. Previously, Chery also organized a delegation of nearly 20 Canadian dealers to visit the Beijing Auto Show for market assessment. BYD plans to open 20 sales outlets across Canada in 2024 and is considering either building its own local manufacturing facility or acquiring existing production capacity. Zeekr, Geely Group’s premium EV brand, launched recruitment in late April for seven senior positions in Toronto, covering areas such as sales, legal affairs, marketing, after-sales service, and channel development. The company is also hiring a Channel Development Manager responsible for dealer vetting and establishing operational standards. These moves come just months after China and Canada signed a new trade agreement. Under the pact, up to 49,000 EVs imported annually from China can benefit from a tariff reduction from 100% to 6.1%, with quotas allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. During the first six months of implementation, only 24,500 import permits will be issued.