US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he would allow Chinese automakers to build electric vehicles (EV) factories in the US - provided they hire American workers - amounted to little more than a verbal gesture without formal policy backing, carrying limited practical weight, analysts say.

A U.S. Senator claims that Trump may be warming up to the idea of Chinese EVs in America, and a meeting between the countries this month could move the needle.

A regulation imposed by former President Joe Biden's administration in early 2025 effectively bans all Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the US.