Biden urged to ban Chinese EV imports amid security concerns
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown has called on US President Joe Biden, to take decisive action against the imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing national security concerns. As the head of the Senate Banking Committee, Brown's demand is a significant escalation in US legislative calls, for measures against China's car manufacturers. In a letter to Biden, Brown described Chinese EVs as an "existential threat" to the US auto industry, and urged for a permanent ban on these imports.
White House yet to respond to import ban plea
The White House has not yet responded to Brown's plea for a ban on Chinese EV imports. However, Biden has previously expressed concerns about China's strategies regarding potentially flooding the US market with its vehicles, which could pose national security risks. In March, he vowed not to let this happen under his administration, indicating a potential alignment with the senator's stance against Chinese EVs.
Legislators push for increased import duties
Brown's call for a permanent ban on Chinese EVs is the latest and most forceful in a series of similar requests by US legislators. Last month, Brown, along with Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, urged Biden to significantly increase import duties on Chinese EVs due to national security threats. The senators are all from auto-producing states, highlighting their vested interest in protecting the domestic auto industry from foreign competition.
White House considers tariffs amid security probe
According to auto industry insiders, Biden is considering increasing tariffs on Chinese EVs. This comes as the White House faces growing pressure to take further action against Chinese vehicle imports. In March, the Commerce Department initiated an investigation into whether these imports posed national security risks and could impose restrictions due to concerns over "connected" car technology potentially compromising American data.
Proposed legislation seeks to raise tariffs on Chinese vehicles
Two Republican senators have proposed legislation aimed at increasing tariffs on vehicles manufactured in China, despite the fact that relatively few of these cars are imported into the US. The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet commented on these developments. However, it has previously rejected calls for increased tariffs, stating that China's automobile exports "reflect the high-quality development and strong innovation of China's manufacturing industry."
