The American automotive industry is urging President Donald Trump to uphold policies that restrict the operations of Chinese automakers in the United States. A coalition representing various segments of the industry, from dealers and suppliers to both domestic and foreign automakers, communicated this position in a letter to Trump on May 13, 2026.
In the letter, the automotive groups emphasized the sector’s critical role in the U.S. economy, stating that it forms the backbone of advanced manufacturing and is crucial for national defense. The letter warns that allowing Chinese automakers to produce vehicles in the U.S. could undermine fair competition and threaten the progress made in curbing Chinese dominance in key industries. Chinese automakers, heavily supported by their government, have been aggressively expanding internationally.
This appeal from the automotive sector arrives as Trump prepares for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The conversation follows Trump’s recent remarks suggesting he might be open to Chinese firms establishing manufacturing plants in the U.S., a stance that has intensified concerns among industry leaders.
The letter reflects a growing consensus within the automotive community, as it was endorsed by leaders of six prominent trade associations, which include every major automaker in the U.S., such as Tesla, alongside approximately 17,000 franchised dealers.
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