WASHINGTON: Senator Sherrod Brown, chair of the Senate Banking Committee, has issued a compelling plea urging President Joe Biden to ban imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) into the United States.
Brown emphasized that Chinese EVs pose an “existential threat” to the American auto industry, marking his stance as the strongest among US lawmakers on this critical issue. Others have echoed concerns, advocating for steep tariffs to safeguard against Chinese EVs flooding the US market.
In response to mounting concerns, the White House initiated an investigation in February to assess whether Chinese cars pose a national security risk. President Biden has expressed firm opposition to allowing China’s “government-backed cheating” to undermine the US auto industry, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding national interests.
The potential risks associated with Chinese-made cars extend beyond economic competition. The White House cautioned that these vehicles could collect sensitive data on drivers and passengers through their internet-connected features, raising concerns about data privacy and national security.
Amid escalating tensions, major US airlines have also urged the Biden administration to halt new flight approvals between the US and China. They cited China’s “damaging anti-competitive policies” that disadvantage US carriers, expressing concerns about unequal access to the Chinese aviation market.
This call for action underscores the ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, which have been embroiled in a trade war since 2018. Despite changes in administration, tariffs remain a central feature of US-China trade relations, reflecting broader geopolitical and economic dynamics.
