Trump says he would be OK with China building cars in US

Former US President Donald Trump expressed his openness to Chinese automakers building cars in the United States during an interview on Fox News. Despite widespread opposition from US lawmakers and car companies, Trump stated that he would not oppose such a move. He pointed out that Japan does the same but hires American workers, emphasizing the importance of employing locals.

Trump clarified that he does not favor Chinese automakers constructing vehicles in Mexico and exporting them to the US. He also noted that he does not disparage Chinese cars. US automakers have cautioned Trump against permitting Chinese automakers to enter the US market, especially in light of an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US Senator Elissa Slotkin warned that such a proposal could be a strategic misstep, to which Trump dismissed the claim as a "total phony rumor." The regulation imposed by former President Joe Biden's administration in early 2025 effectively prohibits Chinese automakers from selling or manufacturing passenger vehicles in the US. Additionally, Washington imposes tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.

Last week, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing major automakers like GM, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, and Stellantis, urged Congress to swiftly pass legislation permanently barring Chinese vehicles from the US market.