Canadian Chamber Statement on Chinese EV Trade Measures

Today’s new trade measures on Chinese EVs are in line with the Canadian Chamber’s recommendations and could not have come soon enough, given the major economic security matters at stake. We applaud the consensus reached by government and opposition parties—these measures will ensure long-term manufacturing growth, protect highly-skilled labour, and support Canadian communities.  These policies are important from a wider economic security perspective, including cybersecurity risks.

The Canadian Chamber’s view is informed by broad consultation with our members and a strong belief that Canada’s growing EV sectors and its workers are at risk of being undermined by China’s unfair trade practices. By imposing a 100 per cent surtax on Chinese EVs and a 25 per cent surtax on Chinese steel and aluminum, Canada is also aligning itself with U.S. trade policy—which is critical as we approach the U.S. Presidential election and the 2026 CUSMA review. It’s also in keeping with our other key trading partners.

At the same time, the complexities of modern automotive supply chains and the risk of trade retaliation must be taken seriously.  We urge the government to continue working closely with industry on the forthcoming 30-day consultation related to other critical sectors. Specifically, government must take immediate and meaningful efforts to work with key Canadian export sectors that could be negatively impacted.

• Matthew Holmes, Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance.

Contact
Karl Oczkowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications and PR
613.238.4000 (2231)
koczkowski@chamber.ca