Ford Suspends Vehicle Shipments to China Amid Tariff Turmoil

Ford Motor Company has paused exports of some of its most iconic vehicles to China, responding to mounting pressure from retaliatory tariffs that have made it increasingly difficult for U.S. automakers to compete in the Chinese market.

The move comes as tariffs on U.S.-built vehicles soar to as much as 150%, significantly inflating costs and eroding profitability.

In a statement released on Friday, the automaker confirmed it has adjusted its export strategy due to the current trade climate. Popular models like the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco SUVs manufactured in Michigan, and the Kentucky-built Lincoln Navigator are all affected by the pause. While these shipments are on hold, Ford will continue exporting U.S.-made engines and transmissions to China.

One model that remains unaffected is the Lincoln Nautilus, which is assembled in China. However, even the domestically produced Nautilus continues to face heavy import duties as part of the broader trade tensions.

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This strategic shift by Ford highlights the growing impact of the prolonged U.S.-China trade dispute, which intensified during former President Donald Trump’s administration. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has created a difficult operating environment for American manufacturers, with many forced to reassess their global logistics, pricing, and long-term planning.

According to research by the Centre for Automotive Research, U.S. automakers could face an estimated $108 billion in additional costs by the end of 2025 due to ongoing tariffs. These costs threaten to ripple through the industry, from automakers and suppliers to consumers, who may soon see higher sticker prices on new vehicles.

Internal communications at Ford, obtained by Reuters, suggest the company is already considering raising vehicle prices in response to sustained tariff-related pressures. While Ford produces nearly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. domestically—offering some cushion—ongoing trade tensions are proving costly.

As Ford recalibrates its export plans, the move underscores how global trade policy can have immediate, far-reaching consequences on American industries. For now, automakers and consumers alike are bracing for the financial ripple effects of a trade war that shows no signs of slowing down.