Leaders of six major auto trade groups have signed a joint letter urging President Trump to bar Chinese automakers from the U.S. market, CNBC reported, ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi.
Key facts
- Six major auto trade groups signed a joint letter to President Trump.
- The letter urges the president to bar Chinese automakers in the U.S.
- The appeal comes ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi.
- The report was published by CNBC on September 18, 2026.
Leaders of six major auto trade groups have jointly signed a letter to President Trump urging him to bar Chinese automakers from the U.S. market, according to CNBC. The appeal comes ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi.
The letter reflects a coordinated push by the industry’s leading trade bodies, whose leaders united to make their case directly to the president, CNBC reported.
The timing of the appeal, positioned ahead of the Xi visit, signals that the auto groups want the issue addressed at a high level as U.S.-China relations remain in focus.
CNBC reported the development on September 18, 2026, citing the joint letter signed by the six trade groups.
Further details on the specific measures requested and the administration’s response were not provided in the source reporting.
Why it matters
The auto industry is a major part of the U.S. economy, and any move to restrict Chinese automakers could reshape competition and pricing in the domestic market. Coordinated pressure from six trade groups ahead of a high-profile diplomatic visit highlights how trade and manufacturing concerns are intersecting with U.S.-China relations.
Frequently asked questions
Who signed the letter to President Trump?
According to CNBC, leaders of six major auto trade groups jointly signed the letter.
What are the auto groups asking for?
CNBC reported that the groups are urging President Trump to bar Chinese automakers in the U.S.
Why is the timing significant?
The appeal comes ahead of a planned visit by Chinese President Xi, according to CNBC.