The U.S. Wants to Ban China’s High-Tech Cars, but They’re Already Here in El Paso

Chinese automakers’ affordable, high-tech models are already being sold in Mexican border cities and attracting U.S. buyers, raising concerns among U.S. carmakers and prompting calls in Washington to block Chinese brands from the U.S. market. Dealers in Ciudad Juárez sell Geely and BYD models priced as low as about $17,000–$20,000, undercutting many U.S. offerings and drawing former Ford and Chevrolet customers. U.S. executives warn that without a policy response, low-cost Chinese electric and hybrid vehicles could disrupt the $1.3 trillion U.S. auto industry. The growing presence of these cars and political pressure to ban them create near-term regulatory risk and longer-term competitive pressure for U.S. auto stocks, including Tesla (TSLA.OQ), which faces potential market-share and pricing implications depending on whether the U.S. imposes restrictions.