Ford CEO: "We Must Completely Block Chinese Automakers from Entering the U.S. Market!"

On May 18, South Korean media outlet JoongAng Economic published an article stating that Ford Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Farley advocates for a complete halt to Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market. If Chinese carmakers succeed in gaining market access through low-price strategies, it would deal a fatal blow to American manufacturing — and this is precisely the core concern.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Farley stated: "We must not allow Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market. The consequences would be catastrophic if American manufacturing — the heart and soul of this nation — were sacrificed."

Currently, the United States imposes a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China, effectively blocking companies like BYD and Xiaomi from entering the U.S. market. However, Chinese automobiles are rapidly gaining ground in other global markets. In Mexico, BYD accounts for 70% of sales volume for local pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Recently, Canada has also signed a contract to import 49,000 Chinese-made vehicles annually.

Farley emphasized that Chinese vehicles must not be allowed to enter the U.S. market via Canadian channels. He also noted that preventing such vehicles from flowing into the U.S. will become a central point of contention in subsequent negotiations during the renegotiation of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

On the other hand, President Donald Trump stated in January at the Detroit Economic Club that if Chinese companies build factories in the U.S. and hire American workers, the U.S. would allow them to enter the market. It is reported that since then, Farley has clarified his position: if Chinese automakers wish to produce cars in the U.S., they must establish joint ventures with American automakers, where American ownership holds a controlling stake.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865487579567104/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author