Ford and GM maintain Chinese partnerships amid US trade restrictions

Despite increased US trade restrictions, Ford and General Motors are continuing various collaborations with Chinese automotive companies. The United States has maintained a 100 percent tariff on electric vehicles imported from China and is implementing new regulations through the Bureau of Industry and Security regarding connected vehicles.

These new rules target software and hardware used for connectivity—such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite—as well as certain autonomous driving systems. The restrictions apply to components designed, developed, or produced by entities linked to China or Russia. Software restrictions are set to affect 2027 model year vehicles, while hardware connectivity restrictions will impact 2030 models.

In response to these shifts, Ford is utilizing CATL technology for a battery factory in Michigan and has formed a joint venture with Geely in Spain. Ford has also requested individual permission from the US Department of Commerce to continue importing the Lincoln Nautilus from China. Meanwhile, General Motors has extended its partnership agreement with SAIC through 2047.