Chinese Automakers Eyes US Factory Entry: BYD and Geely Could Arrive by 2027

Chinese automakers are accelerating plans to manufacture in the U.S. rather than import, with multiple firms considering building factories to enter the North American market within 5–10 years. High tariffs (100%) on Chinese vehicles make imports uncompetitive, but President Trump has signaled support for companies building plants here, citing job creation and national security. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China produced one-third of global cars in 2024 and exported over 8 million units, up 30% from 2023. BYD surpassed Tesla in global EV sales last year, and Geely’s Volvo plant in South Carolina is undergoing a $1.3 billion expansion that could serve as a beachhead for Zeekr and Lynk & Co. Experts project Chinese EVs could reach U.S. showrooms as early as 2027, increasing competition and potentially lowering prices for consumers while challenging existing U.S. automakers and their workers.