Archive · 20 Sep 2026
US Auto Industry Urges Trump to Block Chinese Automakers
Several major US auto groups want President Donald Trump to keep Chinese car companies out of the American market.
They sent him a letter asking him not to let those companies sell, import or build cars in the United States.
The groups worry that Chinese companies could take business and jobs from companies already operating in America.
They also say cars with internet and communication systems could collect sensitive information.
Trump has said he might consider allowing Chinese companies to build vehicles in the United States.
The White House says it wants to help American automakers while protecting national and economic security.
Senator Elissa Slotkin raised concerns about possible involvement by Chinese automaker BYD in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The United States already has rules limiting Chinese connected-vehicle technology and tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
Six US automotive groups urged President Donald Trump to keep Chinese automakers from selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles in the United States.
The groups said Chinese companies have no current US market share and could threaten existing manufacturers and American jobs.
The White House said it was working with US automakers to strengthen the industry while protecting national and economic security.
Senator Elissa Slotkin questioned reports that representatives of Chinese automaker BYD could join Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming meetings in Washington.
Existing US rules and tariffs restrict Chinese connected vehicles, including through tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
- Who
- Six US automotive industry groups, President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Representative John Moolenaar and Chinese automaker BYD are central to the report.
- What
- US auto groups are urging Trump to maintain restrictions preventing Chinese automakers from selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles in the United States.
- When
- The industry letter was sent Friday, ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Xi Jinping the following week; the cited vehicle regulation was introduced in early 2025.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the United States, with possible China-related discussions in Washington.
- Why
- The industry groups cite concerns about American jobs, competition, national security and the collection of sensitive driver data by connected vehicles.
Maintain Restrictions
Consider Chinese Investment
Market access
Maintain Restrictions
The six industry groups want the United States to keep the door closed to Chinese automakers selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles domestically.
Consider Chinese Investment
Trump has said he would consider allowing Chinese companies to build vehicles in the United States, although the White House did not explicitly announce that policy.
Jobs and competition
Maintain Restrictions
Industry groups argue Chinese-owned companies could take market share and shift jobs away from manufacturers that have already invested in the United States.
Consider Chinese Investment
The potential opening is associated with possible Chinese investment and domestic manufacturing, but the articles do not report a confirmed job-creation plan.
National security
Maintain Restrictions
Industry groups and lawmakers warn that Chinese vehicles and connected technologies could threaten economic security, sensitive data and the Western manufacturing base.
Consider Chinese Investment
The reported possibility of allowing Chinese companies to operate in the United States suggests a willingness to consider engagement, but no specific security safeguards or agreement are identified.
- Letter signatories
- Six groups signed the letter: the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Automotive Policy Council, Autos Drive America, MEMA – The Vehicle Suppliers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association and Zero Emission Transportation Association.
- Current Chinese market share
- The groups said Chinese automakers currently have zero market share in the United States.
- Existing vehicle tariffs
- The United States imposes tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
- Vehicle technologies covered
- Existing restrictions cover Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity and certain satellite communications systems.
- Stated security concern
- US officials and industry groups are concerned that connected vehicles could transmit sensitive information about American owners to China.
- Potential company in talks
- Senator Elissa Slotkin questioned a report that representatives of BYD could accompany Xi Jinping during upcoming meetings.
- White House position
- The White House said it is working with American automakers to restore US automotive leadership while protecting national and economic security.