Canadian PM, Trump Discuss Capping Chinese EV Imports: Hot Mic Reveals

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was inadvertently recorded discussing with President Donald Trump plans to limit imports of Chinese electric vehicles. This conversation took place during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.

In a low conversation captured on a hot mic, Carney mentions a ‘cap’ while gesturing horizontally, indicating Canada’s strategy. He stated, “Less than 3 percent of our market—49,000 cars,” highlighting Canada’s agreement with China.

Trump responded positively, saying, “That’s good, I like that.” Newsweek reached out to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for a comment on the conversation.

The summit on the shores of Lake Geneva drew world leaders from France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, excluding China. However, China’s presence loomed large in the discussions, particularly regarding its economic practices such as state subsidies and industrial strategies that are perceived to disrupt global markets.

Earlier this year, Carney visited Beijing to negotiate deals at a time when U.S. tariffs on China were heightening trade uncertainties. Despite Trump’s threat of imposing a 100 percent tariff on Canadian goods, Carney proceeded with an agreement. This agreement includes importing Chinese electric vehicles, capped as discussed.

During Carney’s visit to Beijing, he agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at a favorable tariff rate of 6.1 percent, lowered from a previous 100 percent duty. China reciprocated by reducing tariffs on Canadian canola from 85 percent to around 15 percent.

Efforts were underway by the U.S. and China to ease trade tensions, marked by Trump’s visit to Beijing and an invitation for Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit the United States in September.