Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD (002594.SZ) is exploring entry into the Canadian automotive market, according to a regulatory filing earlier this month. This move comes as Canadian officials consider imposing tariffs on vehicles imported from China.
In June, Canada announced it was contemplating tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, aligning with the United States and the European Union, to counter what is perceived as a heavily subsidized Chinese industry. Ottawa initiated a month-long public consultation on July 2 to assess the impact of China’s support for its EV sector, which could lead to a significant increase in imports, potentially affecting Canada’s planned EV investments and the transformation of its automotive sector.
The regulatory document did not specify when BYD Canada’s representatives met with government officials. While it did not outline a timeline for BYD’s market entry, it highlighted the potential tariff implications and the company’s plans to introduce passenger EVs in Canada.
In May, BYD launched the Shark, a mid-size hybrid-electric pickup truck in Mexico. Despite new U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese EVs, BYD’s regional chief indicated the company was not targeting the U.S. market.