Gasgoo Munich- On February 6, data from Gasgoo highlighted a shifting sentiment: a new poll shows a majority of Canadians support allowing more Chinese electric vehicles into the country, despite lingering concerns.
A Leger poll reveals that seven out of ten respondents are aware of the agreement between Canada and China, with awareness notably higher among men and those over 55.
Sixty-one percent of respondents back allowing more Chinese EVs into the Canadian market — 24% strongly and 38% somewhat. Support is particularly pronounced in Quebec, hitting 72%, and remains higher among men and Canadians aged 55 and older.
Driving these numbers is a marked decline in Canadian anxiety over the threat of U.S. tariffs.
The shift in public opinion comes as Canada launches an ambitious trade diversification strategy — aiming to double exports to markets other than the U.S. by 2035. Chinese EVs are a critical piece on this strategic chessboard.
The Forces Driving Public Sentiment
During a recent visit to Beijing, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese officials reached a broad consensus on deepening economic ties. They signed the “China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap” and established a preliminary joint arrangement for addressing bilateral trade issues.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the head of its Department of American and Oceanian Affairs stated that under the newly adjusted arrangement, Canada will grant a quota of 49,000 Chinese EVs annually. Vehicles within this quota will receive a 6.1% most-favored-nation tariff rate, exempting them from the 100% surtax. The quota volume is set to grow annually by a set percentage.
“This is just one example of a fundamental shift in how Canadians view their relationship with China over the past 12 months,” said Steve Mossop, Leger’s executive vice-president for Western Canada.
The Canadian public’s openness to Chinese EVs is rooted in deep-seated economic realities and strategic calculations.
Economic pressure from U.S. trade restrictions is a driving force that cannot be ignored, having already inflicted lasting damage on the Canadian economy.
Against this backdrop, Canada’s economy is restructuring itself, seeking new markets and supply chains to diversify trade and reduce its dependence on the U.S.
A quiet shift in perceptions regarding the relationship with the U.S. is also shaping public attitudes.
Image Source: Government of Canada
The poll also indicates that nearly two-thirds of Canadians fear potential U.S. retaliation if Canada strengthens trade ties with China. Among those opposed to more Chinese EVs, that concern jumps to 71%.
Mossop found it notable that 30% of respondents said they are unconcerned about potential U.S. backlash. He suggests that figure would have been lower six or eight months ago, when fear of U.S. tariffs was more widespread. “They don’t believe the U.S. will follow through,” he said.
Economic pragmatism is another major factor. Chinese EVs are globally recognized for their value, energy efficiency, and innovation. The Canadian government estimates the new agreement will unlock nearly $3 billion in export orders for the country’s farmers, fishers, and processors.
Under the new agreement, Canada anticipates China will cut canola tariffs from the current 84% to around 15% by March 1. Furthermore, Canada expects that canola meal, lobster, crab, and peas will be exempt from relevant anti-discrimination tariffs starting March 1, at least through the end of the year.
Mark Carney stated that these agreements will unlock nearly $3 billion in export orders for Canadian farmers, fishers, and processors.
Such tangible economic benefits have clearly resonated with the pragmatic Canadian public.
Undercurrents Beneath the Support
Despite the overall positive sentiment, significant concerns remain within Canadian society regarding the entry of Chinese EVs.
The survey shows that while approval is widespread, three-quarters of respondents hold at least one concern. The most common worries regarding Chinese EVs involve vehicle quality and durability, followed closely by the impact on the Canadian auto industry. Data security, privacy, and vehicle safety are also top of mind.
Canadian Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne told a House of Commons committee this week that his office is overseeing research into connected devices to better understand the types of data collected by cars and other products.
The potential impact on domestic industry is another major source of anxiety.
The poll indicates that in Ontario — home to numerous automakers and parts manufacturers — concern is significantly higher regarding the agreement’s potential impact on Canada’s auto sector.
Farmers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have long urged Mark Carney to ease tariffs on China, yet Ontario — the heart of Canada’s auto industry — remains unhappy with the automotive agreement.
Data shows respondents in Ontario are distinctly more worried about the potential fallout Chinese vehicles could inflict on the province’s automotive sector.
For Chinese EV manufacturers, entering the Canadian market presents both opportunities and challenges. Beyond navigating a strict vehicle access system — which includes meeting technical standards like the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — companies must also adapt to Canada’s increasingly stringent requirements for data privacy and security.
As support for Chinese EVs climbs to 61% and 30% of Canadians say they no longer fear U.S. retaliation, these figures reflect a collective Canadian effort to redefine its place on the international stage.