Elissa Slotkin and Bernie Moreno are seeking unanimous Senate approval this week for a bill to codify the effective US ban on Chinese passenger vehicles and bar presidential waivers; the measure has 51 Senate supporters as Donald Trump prepares to meet Xi Jinping.
The current restrictions stem from a Biden administration regulation that took effect in early 2025 and effectively barred Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the US, citing concerns that vehicles could send sensitive driver data to China. The rules cover Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular and some satellite communications technologies. Washington also maintains tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.
A congressional aide said a couple of Republican senators had raised concerns, but it was unclear whether they would object. Earlier this month, Trump said he would accept Chinese car companies building vehicles in the US. Six industry groups representing automakers, suppliers and dealers urged him to keep policies barring Chinese automakers from selling, importing or manufacturing vehicles in the country. China opposes the ban and efforts to make it permanent.
