U.S. Auto Industry and Bipartisan Lawmakers Urgently Appeal to Trump: Do Not Open U.S. Car Market to China
As President Trump prepares to visit China this week, the U.S. auto industry and bipartisan lawmakers have issued strong appeals: do not open the U.S. market to Chinese cars during this summit.
In January this year, Trump publicly welcomed Chinese automakers to build factories in the United States and hire American workers during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. This statement triggered alarm within the U.S. automotive sector. For years, the industry has lobbied the U.S. government to exclude Chinese cars through strict data security regulations and high tariffs on electric vehicles.
Now, automakers, parts suppliers, steel companies, labor unions, and political figures are intensifying their warnings that Chinese automakers—backed by strong state support, scale advantages, leading electric vehicle technology, and highly competitive pricing—will overwhelm domestic and foreign producers in the U.S., hollowing out the core of American manufacturing.
Recently, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan publicly urged Trump not to reach an investment agreement with China allowing Chinese cars into the U.S. market. She co-sponsored with Republican Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio a bipartisan "Connected Vehicles Security Act," which explicitly bans Chinese cars from entering the U.S. under the pretext of data collection. The bill codifies the effective data restrictions on Chinese vehicles previously implemented by former President Biden, making them difficult to overturn. The House version goes further, proposing a ban on U.S. companies engaging in industrial collaboration with China. Congressional aides revealed the bill enjoys broad support and may pass this year.
The U.S. auto industry has shown rare unity in supporting these bans. In March, a coalition representing both American and foreign car brands, dealers, and parts manufacturers jointly urged the government, stating that China's ambition to dominate global car production poses a direct threat to America’s global competitiveness, national security, and the foundation of its automotive industry. Stephen Ezell, Vice President at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, said: “Chinese automakers are not normal competitors in the marketplace. Once subsidized Chinese firms embed themselves in the U.S. market, the damage to national economy and security will be extremely difficult to reverse.”
U.S. Trade Representative Griles stated in April that there are currently no plans to revise connected vehicle rules, and automotive issues are not on the agenda for the Beijing summit.
Commerce Secretary Lutnick also ruled out Chinese investment in the U.S. auto sector. However, Scott Paul, Chairman of the U.S. Manufacturing Alliance, pointed out that there is significant concern that Trump might act unilaterally—he often talks about attracting more car assembly plants to the U.S.—“he has left room for maneuver when it comes to handling automotive issues.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the U.S. discriminatory measures against Chinese automobiles by saying: “Protectionism protects backwardness and loses the future.” China urges the U.S. to genuinely abide by market principles and international trade rules, creating a fair competitive environment for enterprises from all countries. China will resolutely safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864873310838793/
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