Canola And EVs

By Richard Dowson Opinion/Commentary

Problem:​ China stopped buying Canadian Canola because Canada levied a 100% import tariff on Chinese made Electric Vehicles.

Why Impose Tariffs?​​ The Tariff was levied to give North American Auto-makers time to develop and manufacture EVs at least as good as the Chinese EVs.

Why Won’t Tariffs Work?​ Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company is quoted on the Internet as saying, “… China is dominating the global EV market.” It’s too late! The horse has left the Barn!

Has Something Similar Happened Before?​ Yes. In the 1970s and 1980s North American automakers lost sales to Japanese auto makers like Honda and Toyota. Competition was fierce. The ‘Big Three’ Auto-manufactures lost market share.

What was the Solution Back Then?​Rather than Tariffs, Canada asked Japanese Auto Makers to build vehicles in Canada.

Did It Work?​​It worked like a damn!!!

What’s the Solution for Chinese EV Tariffs and Canola?​ Drop the Tariff. Ask China to make EVs in Canada. Everyone Wins! See! Now that wasn’t so hard.

Where Should China Build the EV Plant?​Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, of course.

Why Moose Jaw?​It’s central; has great rail service to Pacific and Atlantic Ports. Moose Jaw has direct rail connections to all of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Moose Jaw would be the Main-Link in the Chinese EV Supply Chain for North America, Mexico and Europe.

You think anyone will listed to you?​​ Of course not. I’man old fart.

This is the 2025 Xiaomi YU7 RWD 2025 all-electric SUV(Canadian Price $48,300.00)

Writer Richard Dowson is a retired educator.

He is known for his frequenting local coffee shops and other places seniors gather.

In a previous life he wrote comedy for CHED in Edmonton.