U.S. Senate pushes fast-track permanent ban on Chinese vehicles as Trump meets Xi
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), is fast-tracking legislation to permanently ban Chinese-made vehicles from the U.S. market, citing national security and economic threats. The bill would codify existing restrictions and prohibit companies with over 15% Chinese ownership from selling vehicles in the U.S., potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz. The push coincides with President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
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US Senate Republican says Chinese vehicle bill will not ban Mercedes-Benz sales in US
A US Senate Republican, Bernie Moreno, stated that a bill aimed at strengthening the US government's ban on Chinese vehicles will not result in a ban on Mercedes-Benz sales in America. The bill, approved by the Senate Commerce Committee in July, would prohibit companies with more than 15% ownership by Chinese entities from selling vehicles in the US. Mercedes-Benz has nearly 20% of its shares passively held by Chinese entities. Moreno expressed confidence that the legislation would not harm Mercedes-Benz and suggested that the company could reduce its Chinese ownership below the threshold. He hopes to secure rapid approval of the bill before the Senate recesses in November.
Senators seek vote on bill to block Chinese car imports as Xi meets Trump
Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) are pushing for a vote on bipartisan legislation that would impose federal restrictions on the import, sale, and operation of vehicles from countries designated as 'foreign entities of concern,' primarily targeting China. Moreno sought unanimous consent on September 24, 2026, but backed off due to an anticipated objection from Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). He plans to try again next week. The bill aims to protect the U.S. auto industry and address national security risks from Chinese vehicles' remote-access technologies, which Slotkin described as 'a driving spy machine on wheels.' The Trump administration already applies a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and has a Commerce Department prohibition on Chinese cars with connectivity software. The bill would codify these restrictions but also includes ownership provisions affecting automakers with over 15% Chinese ownership, such as Mercedes-Benz, which has prompted lobbying and concerns. Moreno has said he is open to changes to protect Mercedes-Benz and that companies would have until 2030 to comply. The bill was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee via voice vote in July. The push comes as President Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington, where trade and tariffs are expected to be discussed.
Read sourceSenators push vote on bill to block Chinese car imports as Xi meets Trump
Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is seeking a Senate vote next week on bipartisan legislation to block imports of vehicles and parts from China, citing national security risks and threats to the U.S. auto industry. The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., would impose federal restrictions on vehicles from countries designated as 'foreign entities of concern,' primarily targeting Chinese-made cars and technologies. Moreno initially planned a unanimous consent request on Thursday but backed off due to an anticipated objection from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Discussions are ongoing to resolve Paul's concerns. The push comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President Donald Trump in Washington, where trade and tariffs are expected topics. The bill has broad bipartisan support but faces concerns over its ownership restrictions, which could affect automakers with Chinese stakes, such as Mercedes-Benz. Moreno has said he is open to changes to protect Mercedes-Benz. Slotkin emphasized the national security threat, calling Chinese vehicles 'a driving spy machine on wheels' due to remote accessibility technologies. The House has a companion bill led by Reps. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich.
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Senators push vote on Chinese car import ban as Xi meets Trump in Washington
Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is seeking a Senate vote next week on a bipartisan bill to block imports of vehicles and parts from China, citing national security and economic threats to the U.S. auto industry. The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., would impose federal restrictions on vehicles from countries designated as 'foreign entities of concern,' primarily targeting Chinese-made cars and technologies. Moreno initially planned a unanimous consent request on Thursday but backed off due to an anticipated objection from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. The bill has broad bipartisan support but faces concerns over its ownership restrictions, which could affect automakers with Chinese stakes, such as Mercedes-Benz (nearly 20% Chinese-owned). Moreno said he is open to changes to protect Mercedes-Benz and noted a waiver process and a 2030 compliance deadline. The push comes as President Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Washington, where trade and tariffs are expected topics. The Trump administration already applies a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and has a Commerce Department prohibition on Chinese cars with connectivity software; the bill would codify these restrictions.
US Senate seeks permanent ban on Chinese cars as Trump meets Xi
U.S. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said on September 24 that bipartisan lawmakers pushing to permanently ban Chinese cars from the U.S. plan to seek Senate approval via fast-track procedure on Thursday, as President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Slotkin and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno will seek unanimous consent for the measure, which she said has 99-1 support among Democrats. The bill would codify a ban on vehicles from Chinese entities with over 15% ownership, potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz due to its Chinese investor stake. The House version has over 100 co-sponsors. The push comes after Trump suggested he would allow Chinese automakers to build factories in the U.S., alarming industry groups. The Biden administration's 2025 rules already effectively bar Chinese car sales and production in the U.S. over data security concerns, and Washington maintains over 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs. China strongly opposes the ban.
Bipartisan senators move to fast-track permanent ban on Chinese vehicles in US
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has moved to fast-track legislation that would permanently ban Chinese vehicles from entering the United States. The move comes during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country, signaling heightened political tensions over trade and national security concerns related to Chinese automotive technology. The senators are pushing for expedited passage of the ban, which would apply to vehicles manufactured in China, including those from state-owned or affiliated companies. The timing of the legislative push, coinciding with Xi's visit, is seen as a direct political signal. The ban would be permanent and is expected to cover both passenger and commercial vehicles. The senators argue that Chinese vehicles pose risks to U.S. national security and economic interests, citing potential data collection and surveillance capabilities. The fast-track process aims to bypass normal legislative delays, though the bill's ultimate passage remains uncertain. The development underscores deepening U.S.-China trade friction and bipartisan consensus on restricting Chinese technology in the American market.
Read sourceU.S. Senate Aims to Fast-Track Permanent Chinese Vehicle Ban This Week
Reuters reports that U.S. lawmakers supporting a permanent ban on Chinese-made vehicles are seeking rapid approval in the Senate this week, coinciding with a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, a co-author of the proposed legislation, plans to request unanimous consent to pass the bill, according to a notice sent to Democratic senators on Wednesday. The push follows a letter from automakers and industry groups urging Trump to 'maintain policies' that firmly block Chinese automakers from selling, importing, or producing vehicles in the United States. The report, dated September 23, 2026, highlights the bipartisan effort to codify restrictions on Chinese vehicle imports into permanent law, with the timing linked to the high-level diplomatic talks.