Ford CEO calls for "fairness" - calls for a comprehensive review of auto tariffs

On February 6, 2025, at an industry conference in Detroit, Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley strongly called for a comprehensive and in-depth review of the current U.S. auto tariff policy. He believes that the current tariffs have constrained the development of U.S. automakers, and a fair competition environment should be created for local companies to enhance global competitiveness.

Farley pointed out that the global auto market is transforming towards electrification and intelligence, and the United States needs to adjust its policies to avoid being marginalized. He stressed the need to comprehensively reform tariffs to build a fair platform for U.S. automakers and stimulate innovation.

In recent years, the U.S. government has imposed a series of tariffs on imported cars and parts to protect local manufacturing. However, this policy has sparked widespread controversy since its introduction. Industry insiders generally believe that although tariff measures have provided shelter to some local companies to a certain extent, they have also led to rising car prices, seriously damaging the interests of consumers. More importantly, tariffs have not effectively improved the overall competitiveness of U.S. automakers, but have instead restricted the development of the industry to a certain extent. High tariffs increase production costs, push up sales prices, reduce consumer willingness to buy, and also restrict companies from accessing global resources and technologies, weakening international competitiveness.

As one of the heavyweight representatives of the US auto industry, Ford's call undoubtedly reflects the industry's general concerns and urgent demands for the current tariff policy. Farley also specifically mentioned that Ford is actively increasing its investment in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology, but if the tariff issue is not resolved, the company's development pace in the global market will be severely restricted, and it will not be able to give full play to its own advantages and occupy a favorable position in international competition.

Ford's call has many reasons. With the transformation of the global auto industry, electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology have become the focus. Ford hopes to take the lead, but tariffs increase the burden and restrict R&D innovation. With the global economic integration, the US tariff policy affects trade relations and competitiveness. Ford hopes to create an open and fair trade environment and expand overseas markets. Ford also pays attention to consumer interests. High tariffs lead to price increases and reduced purchasing power, which is not conducive to the healthy development of the market. It hopes to reduce costs and stimulate demand through reforms to promote industry prosperity.

At present, the US government has not responded to Ford's call, but analysts believe that the government may review its tariff policy to support the development of the manufacturing industry and promote employment and the economy. With the intensification of competition in the global auto industry, the government realizes that it needs to create a fair competition environment so that US automakers can gain a foothold in the global market.

In addition to Ford, other American automakers and related industry associations are also paying close attention to this important issue. They generally believe that only through close international cooperation and creating a fair competitive environment can the development of the American auto industry be truly promoted.

The call from Ford CEO this time is a reminder to the government and a signal to the global auto industry that policy support and a fair market environment are crucial to the success of enterprises. Ford looks forward to working with the global auto industry to create a fair and prosperous future and contribute to the revival of the American auto industry.

In the future, Ford will continue to promote tariff policy reforms and work with other business associations to create a fair competitive environment for American automakers. I believe that with the efforts of Ford and other companies, the American auto industry will usher in new opportunities and shine again in the global market.