Chinese Auto Parts Deeply Embedded in U.S. Market, Detroit Big Three Heavily Dependent

The U.S. auto manufacturing industry currently relies significantly on Chinese-made components. Data shows that over 60 automotive suppliers operating in the United States are wholly owned or controlled by Chinese companies, and Chinese firms hold approximately 5% of the equity across the roughly 10,000 automotive suppliers nationwide. The latest Ford Mustang GT uses a six-speed manual transmission manufactured in China; about 15% of the parts in the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid come from China; and the Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox electric SUVs incorporate around 20% Chinese-sourced components. Among the world’s top 100 automotive parts suppliers, the number of Chinese companies has risen from just one in 2012 to 13 in 2024, and is projected to reach 22 by 2030. Some Chinese-owned or Chinese-affiliated firms—such as Fuyao Glass and Nexteer—have become long-term suppliers to Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (parent company of Chrysler). Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) dominates the global electric vehicle battery market. Despite some U.S. automakers publicly adopting tough stances toward China, their supply chains remain closely intertwined with Chinese manufacturers. Fuyao Glass, for instance, operates plants locally in the U.S., emphasizing localized production and job creation, and states it can efficiently meet its customers’ production demands. Analysts note that while Chinese-branded vehicles have not yet entered the U.S. market at scale, Chinese components are already widely used in vehicles assembled in America.