Ford Shifts Lincoln Production to US from China by 2030
The move, prompted by tariffs and regulatory pressures, is expected to support thousands of jobs and strengthen the US auto manufacturing base, with the Lincoln Nautilus facing a 52.5% American tariff
Ford plans to shift Lincoln production from China to the US by 2030, citing tariffs and regulatory pressures. The company will expand Lincoln production in the US and phase out imports of Lincoln vehicles from China for the American market.
The Lincoln Nautilus, which is Ford's chief import from China for the US market, faces a 52.5% American tariff. Ford sold roughly 34,000 Nautilus vehicles in the US last year. The federal Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts certain Chinese technology and hardware in US-sold vehicles, also factored into the decision.
Ford's decision to shift production was prompted by the Trump administration's tariff agenda, according to Ford CEO Jim Farley. The company had sought government authorization to continue selling the Nautilus under the Connected Vehicle Rule, but after discussions with the Commerce Department, determined the vehicle no longer required one.
The move is expected to support thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect. Ford currently employs approximately 56,300 hourly manufacturing workers domestically and built upward of 2 million vehicles domestically in 2025. The company declined to name which US facilities would take on the additional production.
## What it means The shift in production is part of a broader effort to strengthen the US auto manufacturing base. General Motors plans to move production of its Buick Envision to the US from China starting in 2028. Ford's decision is seen as a commitment to its American brand, with CEO Jim Farley framing the production shift as a broader commitment to the US market.
## Why it matters The move has significant implications for the US auto industry, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported. The shift in production also highlights the impact of tariffs and regulatory pressures on the industry. As the US continues to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, companies like Ford are being forced to re-evaluate their production strategies.
The decision is also a significant win for the US manufacturing sector, which has been a key focus of the Trump administration's economic policy. With the US auto industry being a major contributor to the country's economy, the shift in production is expected to have a positive impact on the sector.
