Asianfin -- CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, is open to building a plant in the U.S. if President-elect Donald Trump allows greater Chinese investment in the electric vehicle supply chain, according to the company’s founder and chairman, Robin Zeng.

In an interview with Reuters, Zeng explained, "Originally, when we wanted to invest in the U.S., the U.S. government said no. For me, I’m really open-minded."

Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturers have faced significant barriers to entering the U.S. market due to a range of protectionist trade policies supported by both U.S. political parties, including Trump, who initiated a broader trade war with China in 2017. These measures have been driven by concerns over competition and national security, with Chinese EV and battery firms, heavily subsidized by their government, subjected to some of the harshest trade restrictions.

As a result, Chinese-made batteries are ineligible for consumer EV subsidies under the Biden administration, which also moved to block any vehicles equipped with Chinese connected-car technology. Additionally, Chinese EV imports are subject to a 100% tariff, effectively imposing a ban.