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Ford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Clash Over China Partnerships
Consumer Durables · Motor Vehicles · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-10
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Ford CEO Jim Farley are at odds over the automaker's technology licensing deals with Chinese firms.
What Happened
Government Criticism: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly criticized Ford for its reliance on Chinese technology, specifically citing partnerships with CATL and Geely. He argued that these collaborations, including battery production and vehicle development, pose risks to U.S. interests and economic security.
Ford's Rebuttal: Ford CEO Jim Farley dismissed the Secretary's letter as a misinformed attempt to grab headlines, asserting that the claims are factually incorrect. Farley emphasized that Ford remains a leader in U.S. manufacturing and job creation, clarifying that the company is not facilitating Chinese expansion into the U.S. market.
Escalating Tensions: The public spat between a cabinet official and a major automaker is considered highly unusual, with Ford executives suggesting that the Secretary overstepped his authority. The company maintains that its projects, including the CATL-licensed battery plant, have previously received positive recognition from the White House.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout: Several Republican lawmakers have rallied behind Secretary Duffy, urging Ford to prioritize partnerships with U.S. allies over Chinese firms. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington has urged the U.S. to respect market principles and avoid politicizing standard business collaborations.