Documents reveal BYD's upcoming entry into the Canadian EV market amid trade scrutiny

Chinese EV giant BYD is preparing to enter the Canadian auto market, a move that could attract federal scrutiny as Ottawa, Canada's capital, considers levying tariffs on Chinese EV imports. Public documents filed in late July showed that lobbyists for BYD have registered with the federal and Ontario governments to advise on the company's market entry, new business operations, and potential upcoming tariffs.

Although the timing and method of BYD's Canadian launch remain unclear, sources indicate the company has recently met with Canadian dealers about establishing local dealerships. BYD did not respond to requests for comment on its Canadian rollout, manufacturing in Canada, or plans to address possible EV-import tariffs.

BYD surpassed Tesla as the world’s top-selling EV maker in 2022, and it would be the first major Chinese automaker to launch passenger EVs in Canada. The company has already established a presence in Mexico, delivering its Yuan Plus crossovers and revealing the BYD Shark.

BYD operates in various global markets, including Asia, Europe, and South America, but not in the United States, where import tariffs on Chinese EVs were recently increased. Canada is in the final days of its review of Chinese state support for automakers. Despite potential trade barriers, BYD's current plan appears to be clear - to grow market share in North America.