Trump would not be opposed to Chinese automakers opening factories in the US

US President Donald Trump has stated that he would not object if Chinese automakers built car manufacturing plants in the US, despite the fact that a significant portion of American lawmakers and automakers oppose the initiative.

"If China wants to come in and build a factory here to make their cars in the US, I wouldn't be against that," Trump said on Fox News's "The Ingraham Angle."

According to him, the main condition would be that Chinese companies hire American workers. Trump cited Japanese automakers as an example, noting that they own factories in the US and employ local residents.

At the same time, Trump noted that he does not want Chinese automakers to manufacture cars in Mexico and then import them into the US. "I'm not criticizing Chinese cars," he said.

Trump's position contradicts the calls of American automakers and lawmakers. The US auto industry is urging the president not to give Chinese companies the opportunity to enter the American market. Trump, for his part, is planning to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming weeks.

Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said this week that reports are circulating suggesting Trump plans to allow Chinese cars into the US market as part of a broader deal. In her assessment, such a decision would be a "strategic mistake."

Trump called Slotkin's statement a "totally fake rumor" and noted that his administration is not allowing Chinese cars into the US market.

The regulation currently in effect, introduced by the Joe Biden administration in early 2025, effectively bans Chinese automakers from selling and manufacturing passenger vehicles in the US. Washington also maintains tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.

Last week, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents nearly all major automakers, urged Congress to quickly pass legislation that would permanently bar Chinese cars from entering the US market. The organization represents companies such as General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, and Stellantis.

According to the organization's CEO, John Bozzella, Chinese automakers are currently expanding aggressively into global markets with subsidized vehicles, as well as related software and hardware technologies.

The Trump administration's position on Chinese automakers has recently sent contradictory signals. Trump himself has previously stated that it would be acceptable for Chinese companies to begin production in the US if they employed Americans. At the same time, certain representatives of his administration maintain a strict stance against cooperation with Chinese companies.