40% of Americans ready to buy Chinese cars, but tariffs block access
Chinese automakers face barriers in the US despite strong demand
40% of Americans ready to buy Chinese cars, but tariffs block access
Survey reveals 40% of US buyers would consider Chinese cars, but tariffs over 100% keep them out. Europe sees rapid Chinese EV growth.
2025-08-22T09:14:49+03:00
2025-08-22T09:14:49+03:00
2025-08-22T09:14:49+03:00
A new report by David Cantin Group and Kaiser Associates shows that 40% of American consumers would consider buying a Chinese-made vehicle. At the same time, 75% of surveyed dealers expect at least one Chinese brand to enter the US market within a year. Yet trade barriers make such a scenario highly unlikely.
Automobiles have been a central target of US trade policy. The Biden administration quadrupled tariffs on Chinese cars to more than 100%, and under Donald Trump’s re-election, restrictions have tightened further. Even importing through Mexico, once seen as a possible workaround, is now unrealistic amid renewed trade disputes.
Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are thriving in Europe. In the first half of 2025, their market share doubled while sales surged 91% year-over-year. BYD even outsold Tesla in the EU earlier this spring, underscoring the competitiveness of Chinese EVs.
For US buyers, affordability is the key factor. While Chinese brands, buoyed by subsidies, are rolling out low-cost EVs like the BYD Seagull, American automakers continue prioritizing expensive pickup trucks despite softening demand. Analysts suggest the US has hit «peak truck,» as consumers increasingly demand affordable sedans and compact EVs. Relief may come with upcoming models like the 2026 Nissan Leaf and the revived Chevrolet Bolt EV, but reshaping Detroit’s product strategy will take time.
chinese cars, byd, chinese evs, us tariffs, auto market usa
2025
Michael Powers
news
Chinese automakers face barriers in the US despite strong demand
Survey reveals 40% of US buyers would consider Chinese cars, but tariffs over 100% keep them out. Europe sees rapid Chinese EV growth.
Michael Powers, Editor
A new report by David Cantin Group and Kaiser Associates shows that 40% of American consumers would consider buying a Chinese-made vehicle. At the same time, 75% of surveyed dealers expect at least one Chinese brand to enter the US market within a year. Yet trade barriers make such a scenario highly unlikely.
Automobiles have been a central target of US trade policy. The Biden administration quadrupled tariffs on Chinese cars to more than 100%, and under Donald Trump’s re-election, restrictions have tightened further. Even importing through Mexico, once seen as a possible workaround, is now unrealistic amid renewed trade disputes.
Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are thriving in Europe. In the first half of 2025, their market share doubled while sales surged 91% year-over-year. BYD even outsold Tesla in the EU earlier this spring, underscoring the competitiveness of Chinese EVs.
For US buyers, affordability is the key factor. While Chinese brands, buoyed by subsidies, are rolling out low-cost EVs like the BYD Seagull, American automakers continue prioritizing expensive pickup trucks despite softening demand. Analysts suggest the US has hit «peak truck,» as consumers increasingly demand affordable sedans and compact EVs. Relief may come with upcoming models like the 2026 Nissan Leaf and the revived Chevrolet Bolt EV, but reshaping Detroit’s product strategy will take time.
