Geely's Lotus electric vehicles to land in Canada in July under Carney‑Xi trade pact

Geely Holding Group's Lotus brand electric vehicles are set to arrive in Canada next month, the first Chinese‑owned and manufactured cars to be sold under a new agreement that permits up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada each year at reduced tariffs.

China’s ambassador to Canada, Wang Di, said the vehicles will be delivered in Montreal and a ceremony will be held, stating, "Geely EVs will be arriving in Canada next month and they will be holding a ceremony when the cars are delivered in Montreal." The deal is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s effort to diversify Canada’s trade away from the United States and to boost Canadian exports to China by 50% by 2030.

Other Chinese manufacturers such as Chery and BYD are coordinating with Canadian authorities to prepare for future shipments, and BYD executive Stella Li expects sales to begin next year. Canada hopes the influx will spur joint‑venture investment in its EV supply chain.

Carney’s policy has drawn criticism from some U.S. officials, but Wang highlighted the broader trade potential, noting that Canada could increase oil, liquefied natural gas and agricultural exports to China. He added, "As long as the two countries uphold the principle of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity … there will be nothing that we cannot resolve." Tariff relief on several Canadian products expires at the end of the year, adding uncertainty for exporters.