Senators will try to win approval of permanent Chinese car ban in November

Two US senators plan to seek approval for a permanent ban on Chinese vehicles in the US in November, congressional aides revealed on Wednesday. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno indicated on Tuesday that he intended to push for swift approval of a stringent ban on Chinese vehicles before the Senate adjourned ahead of the November congressional election.

However, the bill was unable to gain the support of Republican Senator Rand Paul, who raised concerns that the legislation unfairly targeted Mercedes-Benz. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, the bill's other chief sponsor, had previously stated that all Democrats endorsed moving forward and hoped to achieve fast-track approval this week.

Moreno assured that the final bill version would prevent Mercedes-Benz from being banned from selling vehicles in the US. The Senate Commerce Committee approved the bill in July, which would prohibit companies with over 15% ownership by Chinese entities from selling vehicles in the US. Mercedes-Benz holds nearly 20% passive ownership from Chinese entities.

The bill has garnered strong support, with a House version now surpassing 100 co-sponsors, and automakers and legislative aides aiming for full passage this year. President Donald Trump suggested in a recent Fox News interview that he would accept Chinese car companies manufacturing vehicles in the US, causing concern among automakers.

Automakers, suppliers, and dealers have urged Trump to maintain policies that keep Chinese automakers from selling, importing, or manufacturing vehicles within the US. A regulation imposed by the Biden administration earlier in 2025 effectively banned all Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the US due to their potential to transmit sensitive driver data to China.

Washington also levies over 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The Chinese foreign ministry previously criticized such proposals, deeming them unreasonable market suppression.