The largest Chinese car exporter, Chery, is considering the possibility of entering the US automotive market. The company is currently at the stage of detailed analysis of the conditions and market situation, but has not yet named a specific date for the start of sales, Reuters reports.

According to the director of Chery International, the American market is extremely large and attractive, so the company is interested in potential entry. At the same time, the implementation of these plans will depend on a number of factors, in particular, on the internal readiness of the brand and the state policy of both the US and China.

The entry of Chinese automakers into the US market has traditionally been complicated by tough regulatory and political barriers. One of the key factors is the high import duties introduced during the Donald Trump administration: in particular, a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Although the American side has signaled a possible openness to investors from the PRC, provided that production is built directly in the United States, some politicians and industry associations insist on completely restricting access to the market for Chinese companies.

Another significant restriction is US technology policy. Washington is introducing bans on the use of Chinese technologies in so-called “connected cars”, arguing that this is a risk to national security. This further complicates the possibility of Chinese brands entering the high-tech segment of the American auto industry.

As a result of these restrictions, Chery and other Chinese automakers are focusing their international expansion on alternative markets. The main directions remain Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where regulatory barriers are less stringent and the demand for affordable cars is consistently high.

Mexico plays a separate role in the strategy of Chinese companies, which is seen as a potential springboard for further entry into the North American market. It is through it that manufacturers are trying to get closer to the US, minimizing direct regulatory risks.

In comparison, other major players in the Chinese auto industry have chosen different strategies. The leader of the Chinese electric car market BYD supplies only electric buses to the US and does not plan to enter the passenger car market. In contrast, the technology company Xiaomi has completely abandoned its presence in the American market.