WINNIPEG — Canada’s Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald stated that any potential easing of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) from China must consider the effects on various sectors. He noted that the Canadian government has not received direct communication from China regarding its tariff requests, but the matter is under consideration.

MacDonald emphasized the importance of ensuring that any changes to the tariffs do not negatively impact other industries. Last year, Canada imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, following a similar move by the United States. The Canadian government committed to reviewing these tariffs within a year.

In response to the tariffs, China later imposed its own tariffs on Canadian canola, which many viewed as a retaliatory action. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, currently visiting China, along with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, has urged the federal government to reconsider the tariffs on Chinese EVs.

MacDonald’s remarks came after a meeting of federal and provincial agriculture ministers, where they heard concerns from canola producers who are facing financial difficulties due to the tariffs. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue regarding the balance between trade policies and the health of various sectors in Canada.