How do Trump's 25% tariffs on Chinese imports protect American automakers?

Trump's 25% tariff on Chinese imports protects American automakers by reducing the price gap between Chinese and American vehicles. By adding approximately $8,750 to a $35,000 Chinese car (making it $43,750), the tariff narrows the difference with American-made vehicles (priced around $45,000) to only $1,250. This smaller price gap gives American manufacturers a much better chance to compete against Chinese imports. The tariff strategy aims to prevent China from flooding the US market with cheaper vehicles, ultimately helping to preserve American manufacturing jobs and domestic production capacity in the automotive sector.