US President Donald Trump has said he would not be opposed to Chinese automakers building cars in the United States, defying the stance of US lawmakers and companies in the sector. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he would support such an investment on the condition that Chinese companies produce the vehicles in the US and employ American workers.

“If China wanted to come and open a factory to build their cars here, I would be happy to do that,” Trump said. He cited Japan as an example, noting that Japanese companies build cars in the U.S. and employ local workers. “The important thing is that they employ our people,” the U.S. president added. Trump also said he does not want Chinese companies to build cars in Mexico and then export them to the U.S. market. “I don’t look down on Chinese cars,” he said.

The statements come as American automakers have urged the Trump administration to prevent Chinese companies from gaining greater access to the American market. The issue takes on particular significance because of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.

Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin had previously said there were rumors that Trump could allow Chinese vehicles to be sold in the US as part of a broader deal with Beijing. She called such a possibility “a strategic mistake.”

Trump dismissed these claims, calling them "a completely unfounded rumor" and emphasizing that his administration is keeping Chinese vehicles out of the American market.

Former President Joe Biden's administration imposed restrictions in early 2025 that prohibit Chinese manufacturers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the U.S. Meanwhile, Washington applies tariffs exceeding 100% on electric vehicles made in China.