OTTAWA: Flavio Volpe, head of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), has strongly opposed the potential removal of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Volpe argues that lifting the tariffs would be detrimental to the country’s domestic electric vehicle sector and would send the wrong signal in the ongoing trade dispute with China.
“I publicly remind [Premiers] that if Canada is in a trade war with a country, the response should be a Canadian response,” Volpe stated firmly.
Volpe specifically criticized Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who had called for tariff reductions on Chinese goods to protect Canadian canola exports. He expressed his expectation for “better leadership from two thoughtful Premiers” regarding the broader national economic strategy.
His comments come after Chinese Ambassador Wang Di indicated that China might lift tariffs on Canadian agricultural products if Canada, in turn, removed the existing tax on Chinese-made EVs.
Volpe insisted that Canada must maintain its sovereign decision-making power: “The Chinese ambassador should not dictate what Canada decides; Canada should make its own decisions. It should not be influenced by China’s threats or promises.”
