Protectionism as an industrial policy is not new. It was heavily practiced during the 1970s-80s, especially in the automobile sector. However, it was operationalized by bringing foreign producers to the U.S. rather than altogether banning their products.

Toyota opened its first U.S. factory in 1972. Almost every Toyota or Lexus you buy in the U.S. was manufactured here. Same with Stellantis, the Italian company that owns Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep. Somewhat crazy that BYD doesn't have a factory in the U.S. doing this already for E.Vs.