Archive · 19 Sep 2026
US Auto Industry Urges Trump to Block Chinese Carmakers
Six groups connected to carmakers, suppliers, and dealers asked President Donald Trump to keep Chinese car companies out of the United States.
They sent their letter before Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump has said he would be comfortable with Chinese companies building cars in America.
The groups disagree because they fear Chinese companies could take business and jobs from companies already operating there.
They also worry that connected cars might collect information about American drivers and send it to China.
A rule made under former President Joe Biden largely blocks Chinese companies from selling or building passenger vehicles in the United States.
Chinese electric cars also face tariffs of more than 100 percent.
Congress is considering whether to make the restrictions even stronger.
Six US automotive groups urged President Donald Trump to keep Chinese automakers from selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles in the United States.
The appeal came on September 19, 2026, ahead of Trump's planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping the following week.
Trump recently said he would be open to Chinese car companies building vehicles in the United States.
The industry groups said Chinese investment could shift jobs away from manufacturers already operating in the country.
US rules and tariffs restrict Chinese vehicles over national-security and sensitive driver-data concerns, while Congress considers tougher measures.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, six US automotive groups, and Senator Elissa Slotkin.
- What
- Six automotive groups urged Trump to keep Chinese automakers from selling, importing, or manufacturing vehicles in the United States.
- When
- The letter was issued on September 19, 2026, ahead of Trump's planned meeting with Xi the following week.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the United States; Slotkin referred to possible meetings in Washington.
- Why
- The groups cited risks to existing US jobs and manufacturers, as well as national-security concerns about connected vehicles collecting sensitive driver data.
Industry and Security Critics
Potentially More Open Approach
Market access
Industry and Security Critics
The six industry groups want the United States to keep the door closed to Chinese automakers selling, importing, or manufacturing vehicles, arguing that a domestic facility could give them a foothold at the expense of existing manufacturers.
Potentially More Open Approach
Trump said he would be OK with Chinese companies building cars in the United States, indicating openness to allowing some domestic investment.
Jobs and investment
Industry and Security Critics
The groups argue Chinese investment would not create new American jobs but could shift jobs away from manufacturers that have invested in the United States.
Potentially More Open Approach
The article does not provide a detailed public response from Trump or the Chinese government addressing the groups' employment concerns.
National security
Industry and Security Critics
Supporters of restrictions say vehicle connectivity and data collection could allow sensitive information about American owners to be sent to China.
Potentially More Open Approach
The article does not state a detailed counterargument from Trump or Chinese officials; the White House and Chinese embassy did not immediately comment.
- Letter signatories
- The six groups were 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.
- Companies represented
- The groups represent or include major automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Tesla.
- Trump's position
- Trump told Fox News that he would be OK with Chinese car companies building cars in the United States.
- Current rule
- A regulation imposed under former President Joe Biden's administration in early 2025 effectively barred Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the United States.
- Electric vehicle tariffs
- The United States maintains tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
- Security concerns
- The rules cover Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and some satellite communications because connected vehicles can collect sensitive data on American owners.
- Potential legislation
- Congress is considering legislation that would toughen the ban on Chinese vehicles.
