There has been much talk about a potential entry of Chinese automakers into the U.S., but with the current prohibition firmly in place, it remains a distant dream for most players.
With rising oil prices causing a shift in demand toward electric vehicles, courtesy of the Strait of Hormuz blockade that occurred due to the Iran war, electric vehicle manufacturers from China are eyeing a rapid expansion in global markets, with some recently announcing their arrival in Mexico and Canada.
Their cost-effective production practices and short production cycles make them extremely efficient in automotive manufacturing, a factor difficult for competitors to match.
Geely, a Chinese automaker linked to Ford, is eyeing the possibility of entering the U.S. market in three years, despite restrictions in place. Does Geely know something that we don’t?
No Chinese EVs in the U.S.
Chinese-manufactured EVs have been banned from the U.S. market over cybersecurity concerns, particularly regarding how vehicles leveraging Chinese technology could collect and share sensitive data with the Chinese government.
In addition, an import tariff of 100% has been levied on cars imported from China, making it nearly impossible for Chinese brands to sell them due to high costs.
Despite the roadblocks, Geely revealed it would consider entering the U.S. market in 2029, as if the gates had been opened already.
Geely Vice President’s Statement Confirms Timeline
According to a report by Ford Authority, Geely is urging the U.S. government to relax regulations for a potential entry in the future, suggesting a clear interest and intent.
Geely Holding Group executive vice president Victor Yang revealed how American customers expressed interest in the company’s products at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas early this year, with many inquiring when its cars would arrive in the U.S.
Speaking about Geely’s potential U.S. entry, Yang said that no decision has been made yet, but a possibility will be considered in three years. He said:
“My colleague said that we will look at the possibility and then make a decision in three years’ time, but no decision [has yet been made].”
Ford Talking to Geely About Technology
Another report by Ford Authority revealed that Ford is in talks with Geely to license its technology for use in the U.S. and to negotiate with Geely over a partnership in Europe.
The two manufacturers also discussed the U.S. market. The report suggested that Ford could use Geely’s vehicle platform in some capacity on select models in the future.
However, it is said that both parties eventually dropped the idea of a technological partnership for the U.S. market and instead shifted focus to a potential partnership in Europe.
BYD Boasts of Massive Success Despite No U.S. Sales
While Geely revealed it would consider a U.S. entry down the line, BYD has made it clear that its business is thriving without selling its cars in the U.S. Guessing Headlights reported how the brand went on to surpass Tesla as the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles in 2025, as it aggressively expands its operations on a global scale.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li revealed that the company is finding it challenging to meet demand and spoke about its success despite the brand’s absence in the U.S. She said:
“We survive and are successful without the US market today.”
She added:
“Consumers feel the daily savings when oil prices increase. EVs help them save money every day.
“Actually, we are now suffering [insufficient] capacity. Our demand is much higher than what we can supply.”
Revealing the company’s scope, Li added that BYD’s operations are not just limited to cars. She said:
“We are not just a car company. We produce one-third of global smartphone components, we are a leading player in battery storage, solar panels, buses, and trucks. So BYD is an ecosystem.”