Pressure Systems edition
Chinese EV Quotas Rattle Canadian Markets and Detroit
October 17, 2026
What this edition shows
Chinese automakers including BYD are expanding their footprint across North America and Europe through Canadian import quotas and Moroccan assembly hubs. Canadian policymakers and political leaders are caught between integrating European clean-tech solutions and protecting integrated Detroit auto supply chains from escalating trade friction. This surge of Chinese industrial exports exposes the tension between rapid domestic electrification targets and North American manufacturing alliances.
Reporting and analysis behind this edition 10 sources
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Not just AI. China is building technologies that challenge U.S. dominance
From batteries and solar panels to drones and satellites, China is building tech capabilities that extend well beyond AI, writes Steve Feldstein in his new book, "Bytes and Bullets: Global Rivalries, Big Tech, and the New Shape of Modern Warfare."
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China and the EU could turn Morocco into a surprise global hub for electric vehicles
An 'automotive city' near Tangier. laabiraid/Shutterstock China now makes more than seven in ten of the world’s electric cars. In 2024 it produced over 12 million, 1.25 million of which were exported, mainly to Europe. The EU is worried about this – alarmed by cheap, state-subsidised Chinese vehicle…
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Chinese auto giant plans to roll out its first EVs in Canada next year
China’s second largest electric vehicle maker pledges “long-term commitment” and dealer network set up next year, as Canada imported just over 15,000 EVs between March and August under a new quota deal with Beijing.
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BYD wants to discuss EV policies as it preps for Canadian rollout
Earlier this year, BYD was given permission to sell up to 49,000 electric vehicles per year in Canada
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Can Chinese EV competition jolt Canada's auto industry without wrecking it?
Chinese EV giant’s Canadian debut in 2027 could intensify competition for a capped import quota, exposing tensions in the federal strategy to use Chinese imports to speed up electrification while building a domestic EV industry.
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Poilievre visits Detroit to push for tariff-free trade for auto industry
The trade war has emerged as a major factor in the US midterm election race in Michigan, the heart of the US auto industry.
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Finding EU cleantech solutions for Canadian problems
As Ottawa and Brussels seek deeper ties, European cleantech firms are pitching Canada on their climate solutions. Will Canada’s fragmented business environment welcome them?
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As Canada seeks closer economic ties with the EU, it must go bigger on clean tech
As Canada pursues economic opportunities to help the EU insulate itself against current and future oil crises, we must strengthen our own energy security.
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EU ambassador pushes for deeper Canada and EU cleantech ties to drive energy transition
European ambassador Geneviève Tuts, speaking at an event in Vancouver, said deeper partnership would build on a shared belief in clean energy, climate action, the circular economy and “our commitment to respect the Paris Agreement.”
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Electric long-haul trucks could become a reality sooner – if there’s no driver
picture alliance/Getty It’s hard to run heavy trucks without fossil fuels – especially in Australia. They’re big, heavy and cover long distances. Powering big rigs with today’s batteries suffers from added weight and cost. Then there’s recharging time. For smaller trucks covering shorter distances,…