Ford CEO Advocates for Fair Trade Practices in USMCA Negotiations
Detroit, MI — As negotiations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) resume, Ford Motor Company’s CEO, Jim Farley, has articulated the automaker’s position on achieving equitable trade conditions. Farley emphasized the need for a level playing field for companies that primarily manufacture vehicles domestically.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Farley expressed that automakers like Ford, which focus on domestic production, should benefit from the trade agreement. He highlighted concerns regarding competitors such as General Motors and Toyota, which, while producing some vehicles in the U.S., heavily depend on imports. Farley stated, “It’s imperative that any new agreement makes it easier, not harder, to compete with U.S. makers who import from Japan, South Korea, and global competitors that import from those locations.”
The cost advantages of producing vehicles in countries with lower labor costs have raised concerns among U.S. manufacturers. According to industry data, General Motors and Toyota were the top two automotive companies in U.S. sales in 2025, with GM importing 1.17 million vehicles—41% of its U.S. sales—and Toyota importing over 1.19 million units, which accounted for 47% of its domestic sales.
Hyundai Motor, aiming to increase its U.S. production to 80% by 2030, was the largest importer of vehicles from South Korea, followed closely by GM. In contrast, Ford reported assembling over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, more than any other automaker, and exporting 311,000 units to over 60 international markets. The company imported 378,000 vehicles, or 17% of its total sales of 2.2 million.
Farley noted, “Ford is a leader in U.S. auto production with the most U.S.-built vehicles. We import very few, and we export the most.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining a strong domestic workforce, highlighting its significant number of United Auto Workers (UAW) employees.
These discussions come at a critical juncture as the Trump administration has opted not to renew the trilateral trade pact with Canada and Mexico, instead planning annual reviews that could potentially lead to the agreement’s dissolution by 2036. The auto industry plays a crucial role in U.S. trade, representing approximately 18% of trade with its neighboring countries last year. Stakeholders are concerned that reopening the deal could introduce further trade uncertainties, potentially leading to decreased investments and job losses.
In response to the ongoing negotiations, a coalition of U.S. trade groups representing a broad spectrum of automakers, dealers, and suppliers has voiced support for a continued trilateral agreement. In a statement, they urged the leaders of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to swiftly reach a consensus that preserves the existing partnership, reinstates preferential treatment for qualifying goods, and ensures the stability that has fostered industry growth over the past six years.
As the automotive sector navigates these complex trade discussions, the focus remains on fostering an environment that supports domestic production while balancing international competition.
