President Donald Trump endorsed Canada’s decision to sharply lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, hours after his top trade official called the agreement “problematic.”
The agreement announced Friday during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s state visit to Beijing will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada annually at a 6.1% tariff rate, replacing the 100% duty imposed in 2024.
Speaking at a Ford factory earlier on Friday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer criticized the Canadian agreement as “problematic” and suggested Ottawa may regret the deal “in the long run.”
During a brief media appearance at the White House, Trump was questioned about the tariff agreement between Canada and China.
“Well, it’s okay. That’s what he should be doing,” Trump stated.
“I mean, it’s a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that,” the US President added.
Trump’s supportive stance aligns with comments he made earlier this week at the Detroit Economic Club, where he welcomed Chinese automakers to the US market — provided they manufacture domestically.
“If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that’s great, I love that,” Trump said. “Let China come in, let Japan come in.”
Earlier this week, Trump said he believes China could open its markets to American goods, once again asserting he has a good relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
“I think it’s going to happen,” Trump said when asked about the prospect.
The US maintains steep tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the federal government’s decision, warning the agreement gives Beijing a “foothold in the Canadian market” and puts the province’s auto industry at risk.
Chinese Brands Eye US Entry
Several Chinese automakers have expressed interest in the American market.
China’s Geely — Volvo and Polestar‘s backer — said earlier this month that it was “actively evaluating” a US launch.
BYD, which surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest electric vehicle maker in 2025, has expanded aggressively across Latin America and Europe but has yet to announce US plans.
Xiaomi, which entered the EV market in April 2024, has also been exploring international expansion with a European arrival set for 2027.
