De-Sinicizing Tesla: Strategy, survival, or self-sabotage?
21 November 2025

De-Sinicizing Tesla: Strategy, survival, or self-sabotage?

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Tesla is accelerating its shift away from components made in China. It's pushing suppliers to eliminate China-made auto parts for cars built in the United States within the next year or two. Is this strategy due to political pressure from Washington, or is it preparation for a more aggressive trade environment? Is the change even possible? How could this reshape Tesla's business in China, where the company has long enjoyed policy support and unmatched efficiency? And how may this push for de-Sinicization affect U.S. automakers' global edge?
Host TU Yun joins Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, and Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University for a closer look.