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Chinese EVs will enter the US despite tariffs, analysts say

Sep 28, 2026, 6:44am EDT
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A Chinese EV is unloaded from a truck in Montreal.
Roger Lemoyne/Reuters

Chinese cars will inevitably enter the US market despite Washington’s efforts to stop them, analysts said. The Trump administration has maintained 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs as it looks to stave off an influx that it says would devastate domestic production. General Motors, which has supported the levies, says it is focused on making its EVs cheaper and more profitable.

However, US automakers are also facing competition from Japanese and European rivals, which are looking for a haven in the face of Chinese competition elsewhere. All the while, Chinese producers keep advancing their technological lead: Last week, Hangzhou-based Geely unveiled a technology that can charge an EV battery from 10% to 70% in less than five minutes.

A chart showing Chinese EV production and demand.

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