OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says that the electric vehicle deal with China is an “opportunity” for Ontario and autoworkers.

He says this is because there is interest in Chinese companies producing “affordable” electric vehicles in Canada.

Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an agreement Friday that will see Canada allow Chinese electric vehicles into the country at a 6.1 per cent tariff rate.

Canada joined the U.S. in putting a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024, with accusations of unfair subsidies and dumping vehicles in the North American market.

Carney says he and his team have had direct conversations with Chinese automakers interested in Canadian production, but did not name any firms.

The prime minister says that any Chinese auto production in Canada would have to meet this country’s labour standards.

In return for reducing auto tariffs, China plans to cut its tariff rate on canola seed from 84 per cent to 15 per cent March 1 and drop tariffs on canola meal, lobster, peas and crabs until at least the end of the year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2026.

David Baxter, The Canadian Press