Global Affairs Canada's latest report shows China-built EV imports at a standstill since Tesla's Model 3 ran out of quota. Here's what the numbers show.
Imports of China-built electric vehicles under Canada's new quota have stalled. The Global Affairs Canada utilization report updated on October 23, 2026 shows 15,931 of the year's 49,000 permits used, leaving 33,069. The second six-month period, which started September 1, has recorded only 328 vehicles, all in September, and none so far in October.
Since March 1, 2026, Canada has let a limited number of China-built EVs in at the regular 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff. Every shipment needs a permit from Global Affairs Canada, and only EV makers (or a Canadian agent they name) can apply. Notice to Importers No. 1168 says permits go out first come, first served, and that GAC may set aside part of the quota for automakers, including new entrants.
Of 49,000 permits for China-built EVs this quota year, 33,069 are still unused.
| Period | Vehicles recorded |
|---|---|
| March to August 2026 (1st period) | 15,603 |
| September 2026 | 328 |
| October 2026 (to Oct 23) | 0 |
| Used / remaining, quota year 1 | 15,931 / 33,069 |
Source: Global Affairs Canada, Imports of electric vehicles from China, report updated October 23, 2026, 3 p.m. ET.
The first period peaked in July and August, at 5,982 and 5,490 vehicles. Most were battery EV cars, split between models at or under $35,000 and above it. The report doesn't name automakers or models.
The government data doesn't say. What we do know is that Tesla, the first automaker to use the quota, paused Canadian orders for its Shanghai-built Model 3, saying its import quota was used up (see our Model 3 orders story). GAC hasn't published any company-by-company allocation.
More than two-thirds of this year's permits are still unused, with four months left before the quota year ends on February 28, 2027. Whether more China-built EVs reach dealers before then depends on which automakers apply.
Which Chinese EV brands are coming next? See my BYD Canada tracker for what BYD, Chery and Geely have confirmed.
Also covered by EV (eletric-vehicles.com).
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