Bloomberg: US automakers urge Trump to ban imports of Chinese cars

US automakers have called on US President Donald Trump to ban the import of Chinese cars into the country, according to Bloomberg, cited by Report.

The letter received by the White House said that existing barriers effectively preventing China from accessing the US automotive market were crucial to maintaining fair competition. It added that if Chinese companies began opening plants in the United States, this would not help the administration achieve its plans to create manufacturing jobs and ensure national security.

The letter was signed by representatives of organizations including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents both domestic automakers such as Ford and General Motors and foreign manufacturers such as Toyota and Volkswagen. Other signatories included Autos Drive America, the American Automotive Policy Council and the National Automobile Dealers Association.

The coalition is reportedly concerned about Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as the president's statements that he could allow Chinese automaker BYD Co. to produce electric vehicles in the United States if it hires American workers, the publication noted.

The agency recalled that Chinese cars have largely been pushed out of the US market by high tariffs and a ban imposed by the Commerce Department.