US lawmakers are pushing legislation that would prohibit the sale and import of vehicles made in China, as well as cars using hardware or software developed by Chinese companies. The proposal cites national-security and privacy risks. Existing trade measures include a 100% tariff on electric cars imported from China, but supporters of a ban argue that tariffs alone may not prevent Chinese technology from reaching the US through production in neighboring countries such as Mexico.
The bill’s concerns center on connected-car equipment, including sensors, cameras and navigation systems, which lawmakers say could collect sensitive information or map critical infrastructure. It would also restrict autonomous-driving software and infotainment platforms linked to servers in China, over fears that location data could be accessed or vehicle components controlled remotely. Major automakers—including General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Honda—have backed the pressure campaign. In September, their trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, wrote to Congress, warning that Chinese state subsidies could give electric-car makers an unfair cost advantage and threaten US production and jobs.
The article contrasts the US debate with Chinese-brand growth in Brazil, where BYD, Geely and GWM are investing in local operations in Bahia, Paraná and São Paulo, respectively. Bright Consulting figures cited by the publication show BYD gained 7.8 percentage points of market share, followed by GWM at 2.9 points and Geely at 1.8 points.