Protecting U.S. Auto Jobs

The lawmakers’ appeal comes as legislation moves through Congress that would make the restrictions on Chinese vehicles and connected-vehicle technologies permanent, rather than leaving them dependent on existing tariffs and executive policy.

The lawmakers said the U.S. automotive industry supports approximately 10 million jobs and underpins a manufacturing network spanning steel, semiconductors, batteries, electronics, machinery and thousands of suppliers.

Rep. Debbie Dingell claimed China had exported more than 6.2 million passenger vehicles so far in 2026—already exceeding its total passenger-vehicle exports in 2025—and accused Beijing of subsidizing production by more than 50% of its cost, manipulating its currency and using forced labor.

Hyundai CEO Jose Muñoz cited Britain as a warning for the United States, saying Chinese companies accounted for 15% of new vehicle registrations there after Britain declined to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles; Chinese brands represented more than 9% of EU car sales in the first half of 2026.