The Canadian government has confirmed it will impose a 100% import tariff on Chinese-made battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to offset what it sees as significant subsidies provided to manufacturers by the Chinese government over the last decade. The decision followed a 30-day consultation period to gauge public and local industry opinion.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the move after a cabinet meeting with US national security advisor Jake Sullivan over the weekend, pointing out that “actors like China have chosen to give themselves an unfair advantage in the global marketplace”. He also confirmed Canada will impose a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminium imports.

The new import duties match those imposed by the US on Chinese BEV imports in April, while the European Union (EU) this month said it is hiking its import tariffs on these products by up to 38%.

So far only BEVs made by US automaker Tesla are imported into Canada from China, but other manufacturers including BYD Auto are also looking to enter this market.

Mr Sullivan, speaking ahead of a scheduled meeting in Beijing with Chinese government officials this week, said “the US believes that a united front, a coordinated approach on these issues, benefits all of us”.