Wary of directly criticizing the president’s trade policies, automakers are emphasizing how much they have already invested in U.S. manufacturing.
A few carmakers have closed factories, laid off workers or shifted production in response to the auto tariffs that took effect last week.
Automakers looked forward to his return to the presidency only to find themselves struggling under the weight of his tariff threats.
The electric car company led by Elon Musk builds all the cars it sells in the United States in California and Texas, shielding it from tariffs that could devastate competitors.
General Motors and the South Korean automaker say they will collaborate on new vehicles, buying parts and clean energy technologies.
China’s electric vehicle companies are making inroads in Thailand, a key industry hub, as Europe and the United States wield tariffs to keep them out.
The agreement, if ratified, will cover 1,600 workers making batteries for General Motors in Ohio. The union said it would be a model for efforts elsewhere.
The Japanese automaker, which has been slow to sell electric vehicles, said it would invest $11 billion to make batteries and cars in Ontario.
From cars to solar panels to furniture, China is using lavish bank lending and enormous investments in robotics to cement its global leadership in manufacturing.
The United States wants to persuade China to dial back its green energy industrial strategy as the Biden administration subsidizes its own supply chain.