KATHMANDU: Ford Motor Company is reportedly in discussions with the Trump administration about allowing partnerships with Chinese EV makers to build vehicles in the United States.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently raised the idea with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin during the Detroit Auto Show.
The proposal would allow Chinese automakers to form joint ventures with US brands and manufacture vehicles locally. The partnerships could involve sharing EV technology and profits. Discussions remain in the early stages, and no formal plan has been finalized.
US President Donald Trump recently signaled openness to the idea, stating that Chinese brands could build plants in the US and hire American workers. He is also expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.
Rival General Motors has reportedly opposed the move, warning that allowing Chinese brands into the US market could hurt domestic manufacturers and disrupt the North American supply chain.
Ford has also held talks with major Chinese EV makers, including BYD and Geely. A potential BYD deal could involve battery supply for hybrid vehicles outside the US, while discussions with Geely may include technology sharing and plant utilization in Europe.
The US has largely restricted Chinese automakers through high import tariffs and security-related concerns. Any shift in policy would mark a significant change in the market landscape.
China remains the world’s largest EV market, with nearly 3 million battery electric vehicles registered in Q4 2025, up 16 percent year-over-year, pushing global EV sales past 4 million units for the first time.
If approved, such partnerships could reshape the US EV industry, although strong political opposition remains.
