Ford Motor Co. has temporarily halted the export of several of its flagship vehicles to China, including the F-150 Raptor pickup, Mustang sports car, Michigan-made Bronco SUV, and Kentucky-manufactured Lincoln Navigator, amid intensifying trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs. The decision, reported by The Wall Street Journal, marks a significant adjustment in the automaker's international strategy as it grapples with economic and geopolitical challenges stemming from tariff battles that began under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
In an official statement, Ford acknowledged the move, saying, “We have adjusted exports from the U.S. to China in light of the current tariffs.” The export pause comes in response to China’s retaliatory trade measures, which have increased import duties on U.S.-manufactured vehicles. These countermeasures were sparked by Washington’s broader trade stance and ongoing disputes over technology, national security, and market access.
Although Ford's exports to China represent a relatively small slice of its overall business, they have been strategically important for branding and profitability. The company began exporting iconic models like the Mustang and the F-150 to China nearly a decade ago to elevate its global profile and connect with an increasingly car-savvy Chinese consumer base. While the volumes have always been modest, they have added up to steady earnings over the years. According to Ford Vice Chairman John Lawler, the automaker generated around $900 million in operating profit from its China operations last year, underscoring the market’s importance even as challenges mount.
The export volume has declined sharply in recent years. In 2024, Ford exported approximately 5,500 units of its Bronco, F-150, Mustang, and Navigator models to China—a significant drop compared to the more than 20,000 units shipped annually on average over the previous ten years. The decline reflects both rising tariffs and evolving Chinese consumer preferences, as well as the intensifying competition from domestic Chinese EV makers and global rivals with local manufacturing bases.
Despite the halt in vehicle exports, Ford’s shipments of U.S.-built engines and transmissions to China are continuing. Additionally, the Lincoln Nautilus—a key luxury SUV in the brand’s lineup—is produced in China and remains unaffected by the trade tariffs, allowing Ford to maintain a local footprint and serve its Chinese customer base.
Industry analysts note that the pause in exports may be temporary but underscores the volatility of global auto trade amid geopolitical disputes. While Ford seeks to protect margins and adapt to shifting global dynamics, the automaker is expected to keep a close watch on policy shifts and may resume exports if the tariff situation stabilizes.
The development also illustrates broader industry challenges faced by U.S. automakers trying to navigate trade barriers, local manufacturing incentives, and policy uncertainty in major markets like China. For now, Ford’s strategy appears to prioritize financial prudence and operational flexibility as it recalibrates its presence in one of the world’s most competitive auto markets.
