Ford Motor Company (Ford) has suspended exports of U.S.-built vehicles to China, a move analysts attribute to the escalating tariff barriers resulting from the prolonged U.S.-China trade dispute.
The Wall Street Journal reported on April 18, that Ford has completely halted the export of approximately 5,000 U.S.-made vehicles annually to China. This suspension affects high-end models, including the popular F-150 pickup truck and selected Bronco Sport sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Ford has declined to comment on the matter.
In 2024, Ford’s sales in China totaled about 357,000 units, with the vast majority produced at local factories. While U.S. exports represented only a small fraction of these sales, the move underscores the growing political risks impacting global automotive supply chains.
The tariff conflict between the U.S. and China is having far-reaching effects on U.S. automakers beyond Ford. Previously, Tesla suspended exports of U.S.-built vehicles to China due to high tariffs imposed during U.S. President Donald Trump administration. Currently, the U.S. levies tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese products, while China retaliates with duties up to 125% on U.S. goods, severely constraining automotive trade between the two nations.
Ford’s decision serves as a stark reminder of how the U.S.-China trade dispute is tangibly impacting the global automotive industry. Industry experts predict that if the high tariff regime persists, both U.S. and Chinese automakers will face inevitable structural changes in their global strategies.
