US Auto Coalition Urges Trump to Bar Chinese Carmakers Ahead of Xi Talks
Automaker, supplier and dealer groups asked Trump to keep Chinese car companies from selling, importing or building vehicles in the US.
A coalition of six groups representing major automakers, parts suppliers and dealers has called on President Donald Trump to block Chinese car companies from entering the United States market, weighing in days before his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In a letter to the president, the groups asked his administration to preserve policies that bar Chinese automakers from selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles on American soil. The signatories represent the interests of General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla and other manufacturers.
The appeal follows comments Trump made to Fox News last week, when he said he would be open to Chinese car companies building vehicles inside the United States. That position appears to have prompted the industry's push for clarity on the administration's stance.
The letter reflects long-standing concerns among established automakers and their retail and supply networks about competition from Chinese manufacturers, which have expanded aggressively in several global markets. The groups did not elaborate on specific policy measures they want retained.
Trump is due to meet Xi next week, with trade and market access expected to feature in the discussions.