Ford CEO Jim Farley Calls for USMCA Overhaul to Keep Pace with Asian Rivals

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, has publicly supported a revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), calling it ‘critical’ for American automakers to remain competitive against Japan and South Korea. Farley’s comments highlight growing concerns within the US auto industry about the trade pact’s effectiveness in addressing modern challenges.

The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, set new rules for automotive trade, including stricter content requirements. However, Farley argues that the agreement needs updates to better reflect current market dynamics, particularly as Japanese and South Korean competitors benefit from their own trade agreements. He did not specify what changes he seeks, but his stance underscores the industry’s push for a level playing field.

This call for overhaul comes amid broader discussions about trade policy and electric vehicle competition. Ford, like other US automakers, is investing heavily in EVs and sees fair trade rules as essential to competing globally. Farley’s endorsement of USMCA revisions may influence ongoing policy debates.