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

Former President Donald Trump has proposed a compromise on electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, indicating he would permit Chinese automakers to establish production facilities in the U.S. using American labor while keeping in place restrictions on importing Chinese-made vehicles. The move comes as tensions over trade policies and industrial competition continue to shape discussions on automotive production. South Korean automaker Hyundai’s U.S. subsidiary has already signaled plans to expand its EV operations domestically, reflecting broader industry shifts toward local manufacturing. The proposal highlights a potential balancing act between foreign investment and protectionist trade measures.

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 ...