Ford has stopped shipping high-end pickup trucks, SUVs, and sports cars from the U.S. to China as tariffs on American vehicles soar to as much as 150%, the latest fallout from the Trump Administration’s escalating trade measures.
Last week, the automaker halted exports of several popular models—including the F-150 Raptor, Mustang, Bronco, and Lincoln Navigator—due to recent retaliatory tariffs imposed by China, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The F-150 Raptor, which sells for nearly $100,000 in China, is among the most heavily affected.
However, President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a new trade deal with China and suggested that he may lower the current import duties, although no timeline has been provided.
The impact on Ford’s bottom line may be limited, as the company’s U.S.-to-China export business is relatively small. Ford shipped approximately 5,500 Broncos, Mustangs, F-150s, and Navigators to China last year, a decline from a decade-long average of more than 20,000 annually. The exports helped strengthen the brand’s image in the Chinese luxury market.
Despite the pause in vehicle shipments, Ford continues to export U.S.-built engines and transmissions to China. It also continues to import the Lincoln Nautilus from China, which is now subject to steep tariffs.
Tariffs recently imposed or increased by the Trump administration are putting pressure on auto manufacturers. These tariffs include a 25% duty on vehicles and parts, along with taxes on steel and aluminum. Analysts warn these could erode profitability across the automotive sector.
While Ford’s broader operations in China remain challenged by the rapid rise of domestic brands, the company’s annual vehicle sales in the country fell to 400,000 last year from a peak of 1.3 million in 2016. However, Ford has shifted its strategy by using its Chinese factories to export to Southeast Asia and South America.
According to Vice Chairman John Lawler, the company reported about $900 million in operating profit from its China business in 2024.
