Geely to launch in Canada in 2027 as U.S. weighs Chinese car restrictions

Company sold more than three million vehicles in 2025

Chinese automaker Geely plans to begin selling vehicles in Canada in 2027, the company said Friday, stepping into a market that has lowered tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles while the United States has kept them out through high tariffs and a ban on some internet-connected software.

The company has begun establishing a retail and service network in Canada and intends to introduce its first vehicles to Canadian consumers next year, according to the Friday announcement. Geely did not disclose which models it would sell in Canada or release pricing details, saying more information would be shared closer to the start of the commercial launch.

“Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto’s international growth,” Bryan Wu, Geely’s managing director in Canada, said in a statement. “We are entering this market with a long-term commitment, bringing our global technology and engineering capabilities to Canadian drivers.”

Geely is among the largest carmakers in the world by sales, having sold more than three million vehicles in 2025. Its global lineup spans compact electric vehicles to large, luxury-oriented SUVs and also includes gas-powered vehicles and hybrids. The latter have gained traction in the American market after EV sales tapered off over the past year.

The announcement represents the clearest signal to date that Chinese automakers are preparing to compete in Canada against Western and other Asian rivals, according to The Wall Street Journal. Earlier this year, Canada significantly lowered its tariff rate on up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles, opening the door to Chinese brands. Canada has said the arrangement equates to less than 3% of the country’s current new-car sales and that it expects the deal to catalyze new Chinese joint-venture investments in the country.

Canada has also set pricing requirements. By the end of the decade, at least half of the EVs imported under the arrangement would be required to carry a price of 35,000 Canadian dollars, equivalent to roughly $24,500 in U.S. currency. Canada has said it would work with Chinese auto manufacturers on timely vehicle certifications to ensure the cars meet the country’s motor-vehicle safety standards.

The U.S., by contrast, has effectively kept out Chinese EVs through high tariffs and a ban on some internet-connected software. Congress has been debating legislation aimed at prohibiting Chinese car companies from selling or even manufacturing vehicles in the country.

President Trump has said he is opposed to Chinese car imports but has welcomed the idea of Chinese carmakers building cars in the country. Chinese vehicles are already becoming a frequent sight on some U.S. roads, especially in states bordering Mexico, even without formal market access.

Geely Auto’s brand portfolio includes its namesake marque as well as Zeekr and Lynk & Co. Geely’s parent company controls several other brands that are familiar to American consumers, including Sweden’s Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. The U.S. has banned Polestar from selling vehicles in the country under rules prohibiting Chinese software in new cars, while Volvo had earlier received approval to continue operations.

Geely founder Li Shufu stepped down in August as the company’s chairman but remains a controlling shareholder.