Trump shrugs off concerns over Canada-China EV deal, calls it a ‘good thing’

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Bochen HanJanuary 16, 2026 at 11:55 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

US President Donald Trump stated that Canada pursuing a trade deal with China involving reduced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles is a "good thing," despite concerns raised by his own trade representative. The agreement allows Canada to import up to 49,000 Chinese EVs at a preferential tariff rate of 6.1 percent. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called the deal "problematic," citing concerns about protecting American auto workers and the potential impact on trilateral trade negotiations with the US and Mexico. Greer's comments contrast with Trump's support and deviate from previous US policy that encouraged Canada to align with Washington's higher tariffs on Chinese EVs. The deal and differing reactions highlight a divergence in trade perspectives between the US and Canada regarding China.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

CNBC 30% Xi Jinping ×240% Mexico 40% Chinese ×450% Jamieson Greer ×260% Ottawa ×260% United States ×370% Mark Carney ×270% Canada ×480% China ×480% Donald Trump ×290%

Keywords

canada-china trade deal 90% electric vehicles 80% chinese evs 70% tariffs 70% donald trump 70% trade negotiations 60% mark carney 60% us policy 50% us-canada trade 50%