First Shift: Trump open to Chinese plants in U.S.

Former President Donald Trump has proposed easing restrictions on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers operating in the U.S., suggesting they could build EVs domestically using American labor while keeping the existing ban on imported Chinese-made vehicles in place. The shift signals a potential adjustment to trade policies targeting China’s automotive sector, though details on how such operations would be structured remain unclear. Meanwhile, a South Korean automaker has indicated plans to expand its U.S. production, though its specific strategy aligns with broader industry trends rather than directly responding to Trump’s remarks. The proposal could reshape discussions on manufacturing incentives and national security concerns tied to foreign-owned EV production.

Trump says he would allow Chinese automakers to build EVs in the U.S. with American workers but will maintain the ban on imported Chinese vehicles. Executive Park Min-woo says the automaker will ...