Trump Open to Chinese Automakers Building Cars in US

President Donald Trump said Friday that he would be open to Chinese automakers establishing manufacturing plants in the United States, despite strong opposition from U.S. lawmakers and major auto companies.

Speaking on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Trump said he would have no objection to Chinese companies producing vehicles domestically as long as their factories create jobs for American workers.

“If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be okay with that,” Trump said, pointing to Japanese automakers that manufacture vehicles in the U.S. and employ American workers.

However, Trump drew a distinction between domestic production and Chinese automakers using Mexico as an export hub. He said he does not want Chinese companies manufacturing vehicles in Mexico and then shipping them into the U.S. market.

The comments come ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington in two weeks. U.S. automakers have urged the administration not to provide Chinese carmakers with greater access to the American market.

Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Democrat, said Wednesday that there were rumors Trump could allow Chinese vehicles to be sold in the U.S. as part of a broader agreement. She warned that such a move would be a “strategic mistake.”

Trump rejected that claim as a “total phony rumor” and argued that his policies have kept Chinese vehicles out of the country.

A regulation introduced under former President Joe Biden in early 2025 effectively prevents Chinese automakers from selling or manufacturing passenger vehicles in the U.S. Chinese electric vehicles also remain subject to tariffs exceeding 100%.

Meanwhile, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is pressing Congress to permanently block Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market. The organization, representing automakers including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda and Stellantis, wants legislation passed by the end of December.

Alliance CEO John Bozzella warned that heavily subsidized Chinese vehicles equipped with connected software and hardware are increasingly being exported worldwide.