US Officials Challenge Ford Over Chinese Manufacturing Ties

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a sharp warning to Ford CEO Jim Farley, citing deep concerns over the automaker’s strategic partnerships with Chinese firms. The administration suggests that reliance on foreign technology and manufacturing bases poses a significant threat to national security interests within the domestic supply chain.

Editorial·September 8, 2026·reads: 1,844

US Officials Challenge Ford Over Chinese Manufacturing Ties

Duffy’s letter specifically targets Ford’s use of licensed technology from CATL at its Michigan facility, labeling the arrangement a potential risk. The Transportation Department is scrutinizing how deeply these foreign entities are integrated into Ford’s operations, pointing to the company's existing collaboration with Geely in Spain and active negotiations with BYD as evidence of over-reliance on Chinese industrial infrastructure.

Beyond technology licensing, the administration expressed frustration regarding the timeline for shifting Lincoln Nautilus production back to the United States. Officials argue that the delay keeps critical manufacturing capacity tied to China, complicating efforts to secure the American automotive sector. Ford has yet to offer a formal response to the mounting pressure from the Department of Transportation.