Canada's Chinese EV Imports Stall at Zero in October

Canadian imports of Chinese-built electric vehicles remained at zero in October, according to Global Affairs Canada's latest utilization report. The report shows 32,794 quota spots still available under the reduced-tariff program, even though Tesla has paused new Model 3 orders in Canada after saying it exhausted its import allocation.

What the October report shows

Canada's quota, introduced on March 1, allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs to enter the country each year at a reduced 6.1% most-favoured-nation tariff. As of Friday's report, 16,206 vehicles had been imported under the program, about one-third of the annual allocation.

The report also revised September's figures upward, from 328 to 603 vehicles. Of those, 443 were non-plug-in hybrid SUVs valued above C$35,000, while 160 were battery electric vehicles, including only seven priced at or below C$35,000. The revision reduced the remaining quota from 33,069 to 32,794 vehicles, but October's total remained unchanged at zero.

Why Tesla's pause matters

Tesla stopped taking orders for the Model 3 Premium RWD and AWD variants earlier in October, citing an exhausted import allocation. Tesla later updated its Canadian website to allow customers to sign up for updates when the vehicles become available again, but availability is not expected until at least March 2027.

This creates an unusual situation: the national quota still has many unused spots, while one major automaker says its own allocation is exhausted. The current quota year runs until February 28, 2027, so the next few months could show whether other Chinese-built models begin entering Canada or whether demand remains concentrated in Tesla's allocation.

What Canadian buyers should watch

• Quota availability: 32,794 spots remain, but the government does not publish import data by automaker.
• Tesla timing: Model 3 Premium availability is not expected before at least March 2027.
• Price impact: The reduced tariff applies only to vehicles within the quota, so allocation limits can affect pricing and availability even when total quota space remains.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.