Wire flash
US senators seek fast-track permanent ban on Chinese cars as Trump meets Xi
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
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.
Source report
Washington, September 24 (Reuters) — U.S. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said on Thursday that bipartisan lawmakers pushing for a permanent ban on Chinese-made cars entering the United States plan to use fast-track procedures to secure Senate approval, as President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Slotkin and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno will seek unanimous consent to pass the measure. She stated that all Democrats support advancing the bill, with only one Republican opposed. "As I understand it, it's 99 to 1," she said. Under this procedure, a single objection can block approval.
Strong Momentum in Congress
The bill has gained significant traction. The House version has already garnered support from more than 100 co-sponsors, and automakers and legislative aides hope for full passage within the year.
Trump is meeting with Xi this week to discuss broad trade issues. China has strongly opposed the U.S. ban on Chinese cars and efforts to make it permanent.
Industry and Political Reactions
Slotkin, who represents Michigan, said: "I believe if Trump allows these Chinese companies in, it will be the beginning of the end for the U.S. auto industry."
Earlier this month, Trump told Fox News he would accept Chinese automakers building factories in the United States, sparking alarm in the industry. Last week, automakers, suppliers, and dealers urged Trump to "maintain policy and keep the door firmly shut to Chinese companies seeking to sell, import, or produce in the U.S."
Background of the Ban
Regulations implemented by the Biden administration in early 2025 effectively bar all Chinese automakers from selling or producing passenger vehicles in the U.S., citing concerns that sensitive driving data could be transmitted back to China. Washington has also maintained tariffs of over 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
Scope and Exemptions
Senator Ted Cruz earlier stated that the bill would prohibit companies with more than 15% Chinese ownership from selling cars in the U.S., potentially affecting Mercedes-Benz, whose Chinese investors hold nearly a 20% stake.
Moreno said Mercedes would need to comply by 2030, though exemptions could still be granted if necessary. Slotkin noted that ongoing discussions are taking place regarding Mercedes' compliance.
The bill, backed by 51 senators, would codify the ban into law and prevent the White House from issuing waivers to Chinese manufacturers.
Source: Reuters
Source
rtrsWestern