What is the significance of Lotus EVs arriving in Canada next month, and under what agreement are they being imported?

Lotus EVs—owned and manufactured by China's Geely Holding Group—will be the first Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter Canada for sale under a bilateral agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which allows up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually into Canada at reduced tariff rates. Ambassador Wang Di confirmed the cars will arrive next month, with a delivery ceremony planned in Montreal, marking a strategic move by Canada to diversify its trade away from the United States.

Which other Chinese EV brands are preparing to enter the Canadian market, and what is their current status according to the ambassador?

According to Ambassador Wang Di, other Chinese EV brands—including Chery and BYD—are coordinating with Canadian government agencies to complete required procedures before shipping to Canada; some vehicles have already arrived for testing under Canadian conditions. While Wang expressed hope that 'truly, genuinely other Chinese brand EVs' would enter the market by autumn this year, BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li indicated sales would likely begin next year.

Geely to Ship First Lotus EVs to Canada Under Carney-Xi Deal, Ambassador Says

Jun 26, 2026

Geely will ship its first Lotus EVs to Canada next month under a new trade agreement allowing 49,000 Chinese EVs annually. The deal also highlights expanded trade potential in Canadian crude oil, LNG, and agricultural exports to China.

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