Ford Backed Group Tells Trump Not To Let Chinese Automakers Into U.S.

The debate over allowing Chinese vehicles into the U.S. has intensified following recent comments from President Donald Trump, who stated he would be open to Chinese automakers building cars in the U.S. provided they hire American workers, similar to Japanese and South Korean manufacturers. As Trump prepares to meet with China President Xi Jinping and potentially executives from Chinese automakers, a Ford-backed group and other entities have sent a letter to the President urging him to maintain existing policies that block Chinese companies from selling, importing, or manufacturing vehicles in the U.S., according to CNBC.

The letter warns that the automotive sector is vital to advanced manufacturing and the defense base, arguing that once this base is hollowed out, it cannot be rebuilt overnight. It also claims that granting entry to Chinese automakers would undermine fair competition and threaten progress made in preventing Chinese dominance in key industries.

Meanwhile, Ford has faced criticism over its Chinese ties, including exchanges with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and scrutiny from the Select Committee on China.

Despite this, Ford has historically opposed Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market, although CEO Jim Farley reportedly discussed a potential joint-venture production deal with the Trump administration earlier this year.