IN an alarming and protectionist trend, Canada has joined forces with the United States and the European Union to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). A 100 percent tariff on China-made EVs, coupled with a 25 percent duty on Chinese steel and aluminum, reflects a clear attempt to challenge China's growing influence in the global automotive market.

It's not just about protecting domestic manufacturers; it's a strategic alignment with Western allies, namely the US and the European Union, in challenging China's low-cost exports. This move exemplifies a growing Western anxiety over China's technological advances and competitive edge. China's EV sector has rapidly become a leader in innovation, producing affordable, efficient vehicles that have gained significant global traction. The United States led the charge earlier this year, doubling its tariff on Chinese EVs to 100 percent, citing the need to protect American jobs from unfair competition. The European Union quickly followed, hiking tariffs on some Chinese EV models by as much as 38 percent. Canada's move solidifies a coordinated effort to prevent China from flooding the market with cheap alternatives that threaten domestic industries. These measures represent a broader economic rivalry, one where national industries become battlegrounds in a war of tariffs, protectionism and geopolitical maneuvering.