The White House on Monday announced a trade investigation into "legacy" semiconductors made by China, less than a month before the new administration of president-elect Donald Trump takes power, that could impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made every day US consumer goods from cars to coffee makers.

Several foreign automakers are pushing forward their projects and intensifying their year-end promotional activities in the vast Chinese market, aligning with national trade-in policies and accelerating their transition to electrification as they position themselves for opportunities here.