Chinese EV makers look to gain ground in North America amid the tariff backdrop

Geely Automobile (GELYF) (GELHY) is actively positioning itself to enter the Canadian market as part of a broader wave of Chinese electric vehicle makers preparing launches by the end of this year.

The Chinese automaker is now explicitly laying the groundwork to enter the Canadian auto market, with its CEO saying Geely‑branded vehicles are awaiting Canadian certification after Ottawa’s new trade deal opened the door to Chinese electric vehicles.

Geely expects to receive approval from Canadian regulators shortly to sell its branded models, according to CEO Andy An. The major impetus behind the plan is the China‑Canada trade agreement that slashed tariffs on Chinese EVs to 6.1% from 100% for a quota of 49K vehicles per year. The quote will rise to 70K by 2030, provided a substantial portion are lower‑priced mass‑market cars.

Geely (GELYF) (GELHY) is moving in tandem with fellow Chinese automakers BYD (BYDDF) (BYDDY) and Chery, which are also pursuing certification and dealer agreements to tap into Canadian demand for lower-cost EVs. Analysts note that Canadian public opinion is increasingly open to Chinese EVs on price grounds, while Ottawa’s quota and local production incentives are designed to balance consumer benefits with pressure on firms like Geely to invest in Canadian manufacturing and technology partnerships over the medium term.

Canadian officials frame the deal as part of a broader industrial strategy to attract EV investment and joint ventures, with auto‑parts suppliers like Magna (MGA), Linamar (LIMAF), and Martinrea (MRETF) seen as potential partners for Chinese manufacturers, including Geely. Of course, the move could also increase Chinese EV makers presence in North America even further after rapid advances in Mexico, which could pressure General Motors (GM), Ford (F), and Tesla (TSLA).

Automobile industry analysts have warned that shifting U.S. policies could lead to more trade deals across North America and Central America that open the door to China.

Geely’s (GELYF) (GELHY) core automotive business is organized under Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong–listed company that sits beneath the privately held parent Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Zhejiang Geely Holding, ultimately controlled by founder Li Shufu,  also owns or controls other major brands, including Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co., and Zeekr, which are grouped in separate sub-holdings within the wider Geely empire.