US Government Pressures Ford to Reconsider Partnerships with Chinese Firms

Ford’s collaborations with Chinese companies are under fresh scrutiny from Washington. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called on the automaker to rethink its alliances with Chinese firms, specifically naming battery maker CATL and automaker Geely. Ford has been deepening its ties with these companies, but the US government is now urging a pullback.

The partnership with CATL is particularly significant: Ford has been producing LFP batteries at its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan using licensed CATL technology. Additionally, Ford works with Geely in Europe, further entangling its operations with Chinese entities. Secretary Duffy’s appeal signals mounting pressure on US automakers to decouple from Chinese supply chains.

This development highlights the broader geopolitical tension affecting the automotive industry, especially in the EV and battery sectors. Ford now faces a delicate balancing act between leveraging Chinese expertise and complying with US government expectations.