Ford Motor Co. announced plans to shift the production of some Lincoln vehicles to the U.S. beginning in 2030, a move that involves phasing out the import of these luxury vehicles from China for the U.S. market. According to Detroit Free Press, the decision is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect domestic jobs, although the Dearborn-based automaker did not specify which plants will receive the extra production.
Ford Shifting Lincoln Production to U.S. by 2030
Ford CEO Jim Farley stated in a joint interview with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that the transition was a challenging but necessary step to strengthen the domestic manufacturing base. We made this decision as soon as the policy of the administration was set,
Farley said, adding, We knew exactly what they wanted to do, and we knew exactly what it meant for Ford.
Lutnick noted during the interview that Ford’s got an edge. Domestic manufacturing has an edge.
Tariffs and Regulatory Pressures Drive the Decision
The strategic shift comes in response to heavy import duties and regulatory measures affecting vehicles built abroad. Gasoline-powered cars and electric vehicles imported from China face significant tariffs, with the U.S. duty on the Lincoln Nautilus reaching 52.5%, as confirmed by Ford. In March 2025, President Donald Trump instituted 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles and car parts, creating an estimated $2 billion expense for Ford.
Alongside financial penalties from trade policies, automakers have faced compliance challenges under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which prohibits specific Chinese hardware and technology in U.S. models. While Farley pointed to tariffs as the primary driving factor, he acknowledged that both regulations influenced the company’s decision. Ford previously disclosed that the Lincoln Nautilus software was developed domestically but installed in China, initially necessitating government approval for sale in the United States. Following discussions with the Commerce Department, a company spokesperson stated that the Nautilus no longer required an authorization to be sold domestically. Last year, Ford sold approximately 34,000 Nautilus vehicles in the U.S.
Current Domestic Footprint and Industry Context
Before the 2030 transition, Ford already maintained an established domestic manufacturing footprint for several Lincoln models. The company currently assembles the Lincoln Navigator SUV at its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville and the Lincoln Aviator SUV at the Chicago Assembly Plant. Both models will continue production at these facilities and will be exported to international markets including Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East.
Other major automakers are also adjusting their supply chains in response to the evolving tariff and regulatory environment. Crosstown rival General Motors announced plans to move production of its Buick Envision to the U.S. from China starting in 2028. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have pursued further restrictions, including a measure approved by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee in July that would bar companies more than 15% owned by Chinese entities from selling vehicles in the United States.
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