Chery is knocking on America's door — but waiting for the right moment

China's largest car exporter Chery doesn't rule out entering the US market. Chery International president Zhang Guibing told Reuters the company hopes to sell cars in America when the time is right.

China's largest car exporter Chery is not ruling out entering the US market. Chery International president Zhang Guibing told Reuters the company «definitely hopes» to sell cars in America once it finds the right time.

No concrete timeline yet. According to the executive, the decision will depend on Chery's own readiness and on the auto industry policies of both China and the US. The American market is huge, and the desire to break in is shared by almost every major Chinese manufacturer. But for Chery this is not just another export route — it's one of the toughest markets in the world.

The main barrier is tariffs. The US imposes a 100% duty on Chinese electric vehicles. There are other restrictions too: American authorities are scrutinising Chinese connected-vehicle technology, and industry groups and lawmakers are urging the government not to open the market to cars from the PRC.

For now Chery is betting on Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These regions are quicker to accept Chinese cars thanks to price and a broad model line-up. For North America, Chinese companies are also weighing workarounds: manufacturing in Mexico, partnerships, local assembly.

BYD is already present in the US through electric buses, but has no plans to sell passenger cars there. Xiaomi has also said it does not intend to enter the American market. Chery is more cautious — it is not closing the door, but it understands that in the US a competitive sticker price alone is no longer enough.