Canadian union Unifor calls for tough tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles and parts

In July, Canada launched a public consultation process to consider imposing import duties on electric vehicles produced in China, following similar moves by the United States and the European Union.

The Canadian government has said there is “a risk that China’s unfair support for the EV sector, if left unaddressed, could lead to an exponential increase in imports, negatively impacting planned EV investments and the transformation of Canada’s automotive sector.”

The public consultation process ends this week.

“The United States and the European Union have responded proactively to the threat posed by unfair imports and now it is time for Canada to do the same,” Unifor, Canada’s largest union representing private sector workers, said on Thursday.

Unifor is demanding that Ottawa impose an additional tax on top of existing 100% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and an additional 25% tax on batteries, as well as tariffs on electric motors and battery cell materials.

As Canada explores possible tariffs, Chinese automaker BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, recently met with the Canadian government to discuss the possible application of tariffs on electric vehicles, and plans to sell electric passenger vehicles in Canada.

Date of first publication: Aug 02, 2024, 08:38 AM IST