German Media: U.S. Lawmakers Demand Complete Ban on Chinese Cars

On May 11, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan bill calling for formal legislation to completely prohibit Chinese-made vehicles from entering the American market. Former President Biden had previously enacted regulations imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), effectively excluding them from the U.S. market. However, recent polling shows growing American consumer interest in Chinese automobiles, and incoming President Trump recently stated that he welcomes Chinese automakers to build factories in the United States.

On May 11, Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell formally introduced this bill. Shortly before, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin also proposed similar legislation.

Both bills aim to legislate a ban on vehicles designed in China and equipped with advanced connectivity technologies and onboard software from entering the U.S. market. If passed, these measures would further tighten the restrictions on Chinese EV access initiated during the Biden administration.

Former President Biden issued a far-reaching directive in January 2025, just before leaving office, using high tariffs and other means to effectively exclude Chinese-made vehicles from the U.S. market, citing concerns that Chinese manufacturers might collect sensitive data from American drivers, thereby threatening national security.

The current congressional proposals have also received support from the U.S. automotive industry. In March this year, multiple industry groups and labor unions jointly wrote to the government, warning that China’s dominance in global auto production and its efforts to enter the U.S. market “pose direct threats to America’s global competitiveness, national security, and foundational automotive industry.”

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Also in March, a Cox Automotive survey revealed that 49% of American consumers believe Chinese cars offer "excellent" or "outstanding" value, while 40% explicitly support the entry of Chinese car brands into the U.S. market. In a speech earlier this year, President Trump stated that he would welcome Chinese automakers to establish factories in the U.S. and hire American workers.

However, over a hundred bipartisan members of Congress subsequently sent a joint letter to Trump warning against allowing Chinese automakers into the country. In their letter, they emphasized that every vehicle on American roads is essentially a mobile data collection device; vehicles or components made in China should not become part of this system.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington released a statement urging the United States to "stop overinterpreting the concept of national security, cease discriminatory and exclusionary practices, and provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment."

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1864976482486336/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author