Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-02-07 09:24Core Viewpoint - Canada is shifting its strategy in response to ongoing pressures from the Trump administration, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) production and collaboration with China to enhance its automotive industry and reduce reliance on the U.S. market [1][4][6]. Group 1: Electric Vehicle Strategy - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new electric vehicle strategy that includes restarting purchase subsidies and promoting domestic production and export of electric vehicles in collaboration with China [1][4]. - The Canadian government aims to leverage existing and new trade agreements, including a recent EV cooperation agreement with China, to attract large-scale investments and diversify its automotive export market [4][7]. - Canada plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from 100% to 6.1% and set an annual import quota of 49,000 vehicles, reflecting a significant policy shift towards enhancing trade relations with China [6][7]. Group 2: Industry Impact and Employment - The Canadian automotive industry employs approximately 125,000 workers and is crucial to the national economy, with about 90% of vehicles exported to the U.S. [6][7]. - The strategy aims to counteract the negative impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian vehicles, which have been set at 25%, and to find alternative markets and strategies for the Canadian automotive sector [6][8]. - Canadian companies are encouraged to collaborate with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers to create joint ventures that can compete globally, despite higher production costs in Canada [5][6]. Group 3: Public Support and Perception - Recent polls indicate that a majority of Canadians support allowing more Chinese electric vehicles to be sold in Canada, reflecting a shift in public perception towards China [7]. - The Canadian government is engaging in active dialogue with Chinese automotive companies to explore complementary investments in the Canadian automotive sector [5][7].