Source: Global Times

[Global Times report, reporter Li Sa] Canada will grant China's electric vehicles an annual quota of 49,000 units, with the quota enjoying a Most-Favored-Nation tariff rate of 6.1%. The quota quantity will increase by a certain proportion year by year. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated at a China-Canada trade and investment dinner on the evening of the 16th that this arrangement will bring more benefits to the Canadian people.

Regarding this decision, some people in the United States seem to have a "sour grape" mentality: According to a report by Reuters in the UK, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on the 16th, "I think they (Canada) will regret introducing Chinese cars into their market when they look back at this decision." U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Clapp said in an interview that Canada's related decision "has problems." However, it is worth noting that U.S. President Trump has a different view from the two: When asked about Canada and China reaching a broad consensus on deepening economic and trade cooperation, Trump said Canada should do so, "It's a good thing."

Will Canada really "regret" it? The discussion section on Reddit regarding this news has already exceeded 1,000 discussions.

A self-proclaimed Canadian user expressed not only no regret but also great excitement: "As a Canadian, I am very excited that we will be able to afford electric vehicles, which will change our lives." ↓

"American consumers will be very envious of Canadians because they can buy electric vehicles that meet Canadian safety standards at half the price American consumers pay." ↓

Another user mentioned the CEO of Ford Motor Company: "The CEO of Ford owns and drives a Chinese electric vehicle." ↓

U.S. media previously reported that Ford CEO Jim Farley, in an episode of a podcast broadcast in September 2025, stated that Chinese automakers dominate the global electric vehicle market, and the strength comparison between Chinese and U.S. automakers in the electric vehicle dominance battle is "not comparable." Regarding driving a Chinese electric vehicle, he explained in a program this January that it was to understand the competition.

Regarding the term "regret" mentioned by the U.S., foreign netizens have different interpretations.

A netizen said that the one who should regret is actually the United States: "The United States will regret pushing the market towards China and clinging to obviously outdated technology." ↓

"Is that true? In this regard, the United States has no right to lecture other countries. I think the United States will regret trying to bully Canada." ↓

This view is similar to that of U.S. Democratic Senator Brian Schatz. According to a report by The Hill, Brian Schatz posted on social media platform X on the 16th that the agreement between China and Canada would harm U.S. interests at a time when the Trump administration launched a tariff war and countries sought new trade partners. He openly stated that this was a major failure of U.S. foreign policy and would lead to economic consequences domestically in the United States.

Regarding the measures related to the export of Chinese electric vehicles to Canada, the Ministry of Commerce stated in its interpretation that China believes this is a positive step taken by Canada in the right direction, and it is also good news for Chinese electric vehicles to explore the Canadian market.

Trudeau stated that in the field of electric vehicles, China's strength is widely recognized and unquestionable. Chinese electric vehicles are superior in cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and innovation, and are unparalleled globally. To build a competitive domestic electric vehicle industry, Canada needs to learn from China and cooperate with it to jointly build a supply chain. This will fully tap into the potential of cooperation between the two sides and reduce the consumption costs for Canadian people.

Trudeau stated that the new strategic partnership between Canada and China is practical, mutually respectful, and forward-looking, which is beneficial for both sides to fully leverage their respective strengths, promote greater stability, security, sustainable development, and prosperity, and open up a brand-new path that benefits the people of both countries.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7596339666685526562/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.