In what would be a “watershed moment,” Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, reportedly spoke with the Trump Administration about partnering with Chinese EV makers in the US.
Is Ford using Chinese EV tech in the US?
China is the world’s largest electric vehicle market for a reason. Nearly 3 million BEVs were registered in China in Q4 2025, up 16% year-over-year (YOY) and driving global EV sales over the 4 million mark for the first time.
It’s no wonder global OEMs, such as Volkswagen, Toyota, Kia, Stellantis, Ford, and others, are partnering with China’s leading automakers to gain an advantage in overseas markets.
The US has, for the most part, blocked Chinese automakers by imposing massive tariffs on imports and proposing bans due to security risks. However, that may soon change.
Several people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Farley recently brought up the idea with the Trump administration to allow US carmakers to partner with Chinese EV brands to build vehicles in the US.
The plans would enable Chinese automakers to build vehicles in the US through joint ventures with domestic brands, according to the sources.
Discussions are still in the early stages, and no plans have been finalized, but the partnerships would likely involve sharing technology and profits.
Ford’s CEO has brought up the idea of using Chinese EV tech in the US with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the Detroit Auto Show last month, the sources claimed.
The news comes a little over a month after Trump raised the possibility, saying, “Let China come in,” at the Detroit Economic Club, a stark contrast to his previous comments (and actions). Trump said he would require Chinese brands to build US plants and hire American workers.
Crosstown rival GM told the Trump administration that it does not support allowing Chinese brands into the US, one of the sources said.
GM has warned in the past that US brands would lose market share, which would have a drastic impact on the North American supply chain.
Will it actually happen?
While the idea was brought up, the sources said, it would still face an uphill battle in Washington. We will learn more about the situation soon, with Trump planning to meet with China’s President, Xi Jinping, next month.
Allowing Chinese EV makers into the US would be a “watershed moment” that would shake up the market, but would that be a bad thing?
Canada formed a partnership with China last month that reduced the tariff rate from 100% to 6.1%, and most Canadians support the move, as it will help make EVs more affordable.
In the past few weeks, Ford has reportedly held talks with several leading Chinese EV makers, including BYD and Geely, about potential partnerships.
A deal with BYD would involve buying batteries for use in hybrid vehicles outside the US. A partnership with Geely, on the other hand, would reportedly involve allowing the Chinese automaker to use its underutilized plant in Europe and share technology.
Meanwhile, many US officials still strongly oppose it, warning of security risks. Duffy said at an event at Ford’s plant in Ohio last month, “I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” regarding Canada’s EV deal with China.
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
