WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute Summary Episode: Canada Looks to Help Automakers Meet EV-Sales Mandate After U.S. Tariffs Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing’s Tech Minute, host Julie Chang delves into pivotal developments affecting the automotive and technology sectors, with a particular focus on Canada’s strategies to navigate U.S. tariffs and the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) server market. Additionally, the episode touches on the cryptocurrency landscape, highlighting Bitcoin’s surge and its impact on related businesses.

1. Canada’s Strategic Response to U.S. Automotive Tariffs

Timestamp: [00:16]

Canada’s Industry Minister, Melanie Jolie, unveiled plans aimed at assisting Canadian automakers in overcoming challenges posed by substantial U.S. tariffs. These tariffs, instituted by President Trump, impose a 25% tax on foreign-made cars, creating significant barriers for Canadian automotive exports to the United States.

Key Points:

• Automotive Export Significance: Vehicles represent Canada’s second-largest export by value, underscoring the critical nature of the automotive industry to the Canadian economy.

• Government Intervention: Minister Jolie expressed her optimism about revealing a comprehensive plan in the coming weeks. This initiative is designed to mitigate the impact of the U.S. tariffs and ensure that Canadian automakers can sustain their export levels without incurring prohibitive costs.

Notable Quote:

"Melanie Jolie said today that the auto sector faces big hurdles with President Trump's 25% tariffs on foreign made cars." ([00:22])

2. Canada’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales Mandate

Timestamp: [00:31]

In tandem with addressing tariff-induced challenges, Canada is steadfast in its commitment to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The nation has instituted regulatory measures to ensure that a significant portion of new vehicle sales transitions to electric power.

Key Points:

• Current Mandate: By the end of the next calendar year, 20% of all new vehicle sales in Canada must be electric.

• Long-Term Goal: The Canadian government aims for 100% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2035, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable transportation.

• Economic and Environmental Impact: These regulations are expected to stimulate innovation within the automotive sector, encouraging manufacturers to invest in EV technologies while also contributing to Canada’s environmental sustainability goals.

3. Surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Servers and Market Projections

Timestamp: [00:41]

The technology sector is witnessing robust growth in the AI server market, a trend poised to significantly influence the broader server industry.

Key Points:

• Market Growth Forecast: According to a Bank of America Securities report, the overall server market is projected to approach $1 trillion in sales by 2030.

• AI Server Revenue: Revenue from AI servers is anticipated to grow at an average annual rate of 28% until 2030, indicating a strong and sustained demand for AI-driven technologies.

• Industry Beneficiaries: Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) are identified as the primary beneficiaries of this growth trend. Their advanced offerings in AI server solutions position them favorably to capture increased market share and drive innovation within the sector.

Notable Quote:

"Strong growth in artificial intelligence servers should continue and help drive the overall server market to close to $1 trillion in sales by 2030." ([00:41])

4. Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High, Influencing Cryptocurrency Markets

Timestamp: [00:58]

The cryptocurrency landscape experienced a significant milestone as Bitcoin reached an unprecedented valuation, impacting both the broader market and cryptocurrency-focused businesses.

Key Points:

• Bitcoin’s Valuation: Bitcoin, recognized as the oldest and largest cryptocurrency, surged to over $113,000, surpassing its previous record set in May.

• Market Reaction: This remarkable increase in Bitcoin’s price catalyzed a 4% rise in Coinbase shares, reflecting investor confidence and the positive outlook for cryptocurrency exchanges in light of Bitcoin’s performance.

• Source of Information: The price surge was reported by Coindesk, a prominent news platform specializing in cryptocurrency developments.

Notable Quote:

"The oldest and largest cryptocurrency was trading at more than $113,000 this afternoon, breaking a previous record set in May, according to Coindesk." ([00:58])

Conclusion

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing’s Tech Minute provided insightful analysis into Canada’s strategic maneuvers to bolster its automotive industry amidst international trade challenges and highlighted significant growth trends within the AI server market. Additionally, the remarkable rise of Bitcoin underscores the volatile yet dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency sector. These discussions offer a comprehensive overview of the intersecting forces shaping the future of technology and industry.