Washington seeks to sever Ford’s Ties with Chinese partners
Ford's growing ties with Chinese companies are facing renewed scrutiny from the US government. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has urged the automaker to reconsider its partnerships with Chinese firms, including battery manufacturer CATL and Geely - the latter of which Ford also works with in Europe.
Ford will produce LFP cells in Michigan using licensed technology from CATL.
Image: Ford
In a letter to Ford CEO Jim Farley, Duffy expressed “deep concern” about the US automaker’s ties to Chinese companies. As _InsideEVs_ reports, the US Secretary of Transportation has urged Ford to reconsider its collaborations with companies from the People’s Republic. In addition to the partnership with Geely [](https://www.electrive.com/2026/08/18/geely-to-produce-vehicles-in-volvo-plants-from-2028/) and the continued production of certain Lincoln models in China, the criticism is primarily directed at the cooperation with CATL.
At the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, Ford will use licensed technology from the Chinese battery manufacturer to produce LFP cells. In his letter, Duffy described himself as “deeply alarmed” by the continued dependence on CATL technology. Chinese suppliers, and CATL in particular, are among the leading players in the production of LFP batteries.
Ford has rejected the criticism. The manufacturer emphasises that the Michigan plant is fully owned by Ford, controlled by the automaker, and operated by its own employees. The collaboration with CATL involves a limited technology and service agreement – not a joint venture or a production facility under Chinese ownership.
Ford defends its CATL partnership model
The key difference lies in the structure of the deal. Ford will produce the battery cells itself in the US but will rely on CATL’s technology and expertise. The company argues that while other manufacturers continue to import Chinese batteries, Ford is investing in its own US production. The automaker described Duffy’s letter as a misguided attempt to generate headlines.
The CATL connection has been politically controversial for some time. Meanwhile, Ford is ramping up production in Michigan. The LFP cells manufactured there are intended for upcoming EVs from the manufacturer.
Duffy is also scrutinising Ford’s growing collaboration with Geely. The two manufacturers formalised their cooperation in Europe in July. Starting in 2028, two electric SUVs from the Chinese group will be produced at the Ford plant in Valencia, and the companies also plan to jointly develop another model for the European market.