Ford CEO Jim Farley is calling for a fairer trade environment as negotiations to renew the USMCA trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico get underway again. Farley emphasized that automakers like Ford, which manufacture a majority of their vehicles domestically, should benefit from the agreement. He further argued that companies relying heavily on vehicle imports, such as General Motors and Toyota, should face tougher restrictions. Farley’s position highlights the challenge domestic production faces competing with cheaper foreign-made vehicles.

According to industry data, GM and Toyota are the biggest importers in the U.S. auto market, with 41% and 47% of their U.S. sales comprised of imported vehicles in 2025. Ford, by contrast, imported only 17% of its sales last year, assembling over 2 million vehicles in the U.S., the highest among all manufacturers, and exporting 311,000 units internationally. Farley expressed pride in Ford’s commitment to American manufacturing and its large union workforce, differentiating it from competitors more reliant on imports.

The push to revisit the USMCA comes amid the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the existing three-party trade pact, choosing instead to conduct annual reviews that could eventually end the deal by 2036. The automotive sector makes up about 18% of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico, signifying its critical role in these discussions. Industry groups have voiced support for maintaining a trilateral agreement, warning that uncertainty during renegotiations could reduce investment and threaten jobs.

As talks continue, Ford’s stance underscores a broader industry debate about balancing free trade with protecting domestic production and jobs. Farley’s focus on rewarding companies with strong U.S. manufacturing footprints contrasts with concerns about companies dependent on lower-cost imports from Asia. The outcome could reshape North American auto trade policies and impact the competitive landscape for major automakers in the coming years.