U.S. Ambassador to Canada: "China's electric vehicles will never be allowed into the U.S. market!"

On May 3, South Korea's Edaily published an article stating that the U.S. Ambassador to Canada publicly declared he would not allow Chinese electric vehicles to enter the U.S. market via Canada. This statement drew widespread attention following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's agreement in January this year to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Recently, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra made clear remarks during an interview with local media: "Chinese cars can enter Canada, but they will never cross the U.S. border." He repeatedly emphasized: "This will absolutely not happen. The U.S. will not open that door."

Hoekstra made these comments as President Donald Trump began his second term, prompting Canada to adjust its foreign policy. Canada is one of America’s closest allies. In 2024, under President Joe Biden, Canada had aligned with the U.S., imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. However, after Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian automobiles and claimed Canada should become the "51st state of America," relations between the two countries rapidly deteriorated.

Eventually, Canada shifted strategy and improved ties with China. China is now permitted to export electric vehicles to Canada under a quota of 49,000 units per year for 12 months, at significantly reduced tariff rates.

Nevertheless, Hoekstra argued that Canada has not suffered substantial losses due to U.S. tariffs. He pointed out that, aside from specific sectors such as automobiles, lumber, steel, and aluminum, most Canadian products are exempt from U.S. tariffs under the USMCA. He described Canada’s current agreement with the U.S. as "the second-best deal in the world."

He also expressed support for Canadian-made vehicles containing a large proportion of U.S.-made components. Hoekstra stated: "U.S.-made parts account for 50% to 75% of vehicles crossing the border. We welcome such vehicles entering our country."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864168067012682/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.