Detroit Free Press
May 8, 2026
Arpan Lobo
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, warned American automakers would be at a severe disadvantage if Chinese cars were allowed to be sold in the domestic market.
Speaking at a Detroit Regional Chamber event on Thursday, May 7, Slotkin touted legislation she recently introduced alongside U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, that aims at banning Chinese automakers from entering the American market. Along with economic competitiveness, Slotkin said allowing cars from China into the U.S. would create security concerns, primarily around the data gathered by vehicles.
The bill, and Slotkin’s remarks Thursday, come as President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in Beijing next week and discuss an ongoing trade dispute between the two nations.
In neighboring Canada, tariffs on Chinese vehicles were reduced earlier in March, a move that directly threatens the market shares of the Detroit Three automakers in the country. Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy K. Baruah, said it would be difficult for domestic car companies and parts suppliers to compete with companies receiving government subsidies.