United States Eyes Restrictions on Chinese Imports from Third Countries

Key Takeaways

• Chinese firms—particularly in the automotive, manufacturing, and steel industries—are increasingly using third countries as production sites to export goods to the United States.
• US lawmakers have unleashed new proposals targeting these imports that could create major spillover effects for domestic firms and US trade relationships more broadly.
• Limiting Chinese imports from third countries is expected to be a top US policy priority in US-Mexico-Canada Agreement renewal discussions in 2026.