Auto Industry Urges Trump: Keep Chinese Carmakers Out

Six trade associations representing dealers, suppliers, and automakers including Tesla, with about 17,000 franchised dealers, sent a Thursday letter urging President Trump to retain restrictions on Chinese automakers. Reported September 18, 2026, the letter cited the sector's importance to advanced manufacturing and defense infrastructure. It followed Trump's September 11 Fox News interview, in which he said he would be OK with Chinese plants here if they hire American workers—"the big thing is they hire our people"—while opposing Mexico-built cars for U.S. export. The American Automotive Policy Council, after GM, Ford, and Stellantis declined individual comment, said through Matt Blunt that local manufacturing alone would not address subsidies and non-market advantages. The UAW called the idea a "slap in the face to America." Chinese brands hold roughly 20% of Mexico new-car sales; Canada has allowed limited entries under reduced tariffs. Sean Duffy criticized Ford's CATL and Geely ties; Ford called that "wrongheaded." Jim Farley drove a Xiaomi SU7 for six months. A Trump-Xi meeting in Washington is anticipated; any policy change remains unresolved.