Chinese automakers are likely to enter the US market in the next five to ten years, despite current trade restrictions, Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley has told his employees, Jalopnik reports.

According to sources present at the meeting with employees, Farley considers the emergence of Chinese brands in the US to be almost inevitable. At the same time, he believes that the most likely date for this market entry will be the end of the specified period.

Chinese electric car manufacturers are already strengthening their positions in markets adjacent to the US, including Mexico, with experts considering Canada as a possible “test market” before entering the American market. At the same time, sales of Chinese electric cars in the US are currently severely limited.

There is an additional 100 percent tariff, as well as restrictions on the use of Chinese software and equipment in cars. Amid growing competition, Ford is preparing its own line of more affordable electric cars, which should compete with Chinese models in terms of price and efficiency.