Ford Motor Co. has ceased shipments of several high-end vehicles from its U.S. plants to China following a dramatic increase in tariffs, sources confirmed April 18.
The vehicles affected include the F-150 Raptor pickup, Mustang sports car and Bronco SUV -- all manufactured in Michigan -- as well as the Lincoln Navigator, built in Kentucky.
Sources told the Detroit Free Press the decision was made in response to Chinese import tariffs now reaching up to 150% on certain vehicles, a retaliatory move against tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which now exceed 145%.
Ford sells some of these models, like the F-150 Raptor, for nearly $100,000 in the Chinese market, meaning the company would now be required to pay substantial taxes to continue those exports.
While Ford declined to comment on specific vehicle shipments, spokeswoman Jess Enoch acknowledged changes to its export strategy, stating in an email to the Free Press, “We have adjusted exports from the U.S. to China in light of the current tariffs.”
Despite the shift, Ford is still exporting certain components to China, including a 3.0-liter engine produced in Lima, OH, and a 10-speed transmission built in Livonia, MI. Additionally, the company continues to import the China-manufactured Lincoln Nautilus for sale in the U.S.
Ford’s exports to China, which began roughly a decade ago, represent a relatively small but profitable segment of its operations. The company earned $900 million in earnings before interest and taxes from its China business last year, according to John Lawler, Ford’s vice chair.
Vehicle exports to China have already been trending downward. In 2023, Ford shipped approximately 5,500 vehicles -- including Broncos, F-150s, Mustangs and Navigators -- significantly below its 10-year annual average of more than 20,000 units, The Wall Street Journal reported.
