Trump Administration Raises Concerns Over Ford's China Ties

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a formal letter to Ford Motor Co.’s chief executive, Jim Farley, raising questions about the automaker’s strategic direction in relation to Chinese companies. In the correspondence, Duffy expressed concern that Ford’s recent partnerships and supply‑chain arrangements with firms in China could pose national‑security risks and may not fully align with U.S. regulatory expectations for foreign‑investment oversight.

The letter cites Ford’s announced collaboration with Chinese battery‑maker BYD and its joint venture with SAIC Motor for electric‑vehicle production in China as examples of the company’s expanding ties. Duffy urged Ford to provide detailed disclosures on the scope of these relationships, the ownership structure of joint ventures, and the steps the company is taking to mitigate potential vulnerabilities in critical supply chains. He also reminded Ford of the Department’s mandate to ensure that foreign investments do not compromise U.S. automotive competitiveness or security interests.

The correspondence signals a tightening of scrutiny on U.S. automakers’ engagement with Chinese partners. Ford has indicated it will review the concerns and respond with additional information, while industry observers note that the letter may prompt broader discussions about supply‑chain resilience and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving electric‑vehicle market.