More than 50 Republican lawmakers have called on the Trump administration to prevent Chinese automotive and battery firms from setting up manufacturing operations in the United States. Led by Representatives Mike Kelly and Gus Bilirakis, the lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential impact on American jobs, supply chains, and national security. They emphasized the need to reject any attempts by Chinese companies to establish vehicle and battery production facilities in the US or broader North American market.
The lawmakers highlighted China’s aggressive expansion in the global automotive sector and raised alarms about unfair competition practices. They underscored the significant contribution of the US automotive industry to the country’s GDP and the millions of manufacturing jobs it supports. The legislators cautioned that heavily subsidized Chinese companies could employ non-market strategies to dominate global automotive supply chains, posing risks to US manufacturing and market share.
In their letter to top US officials, the lawmakers warned against the consequences of allowing Chinese automotive companies to operate in the US. They argued that such a move could lead to the erosion of US manufacturing, a decline in market share for American auto firms, and potential cybersecurity threats for consumers and businesses. The legislators accused China of distorting production levels through government subsidies and selling vehicles below market prices, aiming to weaken the US automotive market and promote Chinese brands.
The group of lawmakers also expressed apprehensions regarding data security and connected vehicle technology. They highlighted the potential risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles collecting and transmitting sensitive information from American citizens and infrastructure. Additionally, they raised concerns about the possibility of Chinese actors gaining remote access to vehicles on US roads, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing restrictions and tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
