The United Auto Workers has asked congressional leaders to maintain the House Select Committee on China as Democrats take control, citing urgent need for oversight of Chinese automakers and their ties to US manufacturers.
The UAW and major automakers are pushing for a permanent statutory ban on Chinese vehicle imports and domestic manufacturing before year-end. The legislative effort centers on the Connected Vehicle Security Act, co-authored by Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno. The bill cleared the Senate Commerce Committee, and Moreno stated he was "really, really close" to a deal with hopes for a Senate vote as early as next week.
A rule introduced by former President Joe Biden in early 2025 already effectively bars Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the US, backed by tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese electric vehicles. The push for a permanent statutory ban reflects concern that executive orders can be reversed. President Trump has signaled openness to Chinese automakers building plants in the US, telling Fox News in September: "If they want to come in and build a plant and hire American workers, I love that."
Industry groups representing virtually every automaker in the US responded with a joint letter urging Trump to keep "the door firmly shut" ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that month.
The coalition supporting a ban splinters on other details. Some proposals would restrict brands in which Chinese entities hold more than 15% equity. The UAW wants blanket restrictions on Chinese ownership of Western automakers. Ford has pitched a framework requiring Chinese automakers to enter through joint ventures where a US partner holds at least 51% equity. General Motors opposes any joint venture pathway.
The ownership question proves complicated. Geely's majority-owned Volvo Cars assembles vehicles in South Carolina. Chinese shareholders including Geely founder Li Shufu and BAIC hold close to a fifth of Mercedes-Benz, which builds in Alabama. An equity test strict enough to satisfy the union risks catching established US employers.