TLDRs;
- Ford shares slip slightly after reports of a potential US EV partnership with Xiaomi were denied.
- Speculation about Chinese joint ventures raises investor concerns about tariffs and national security risks.
- Ford defends use of licensed Chinese tech while navigating political scrutiny over US battery plant plans.
- Analysts note domestic automakers face pressure to compete against affordable Chinese EVs despite regulatory hurdles.
Ford (NYSE: F) shares experienced a modest decline on Monday after media reports suggested preliminary discussions between the automaker and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi regarding a potential joint venture for electric vehicle production in the United States.
While sources had indicated that talks may have included other Chinese automakers, such as BYD, both Ford and Xiaomi quickly denied any active negotiations.
Investors appeared cautious in response to the news, sending the stock down slightly, reflecting concerns about political and regulatory obstacles. “Any partnership with a Chinese company in the EV sector would naturally draw scrutiny,” said one industry analyst.
National Security and Tariff Considerations
The rumored discussions come at a time when U.S. policymakers have heightened scrutiny of Chinese involvement in American industries. The federal government maintains high tariffs and restrictions on Chinese vehicle imports, with some officials citing national security risks should Chinese automakers operate in the U.S. market.
Ford’s cautious approach underscores the challenges domestic automakers face. Licensing or collaborating with Chinese firms could provide access to competitive technology but may trigger political backlash or threaten eligibility for federal incentives tied to U.S.-made technology.
Ford’s Strategic Balancing Act
The reports also highlight broader tensions surrounding Ford’s ongoing projects. The automaker recently faced political scrutiny over its planned Michigan battery plant, which relies on licensed technology from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL).
Proposed legislation would remove federal tax credits from projects that incorporate Chinese technology, potentially affecting the plant’s financial viability.
Ford held talks with China’s EV maker Xiaomi over partnership: report https://t.co/LwTIHP5YWP pic.twitter.com/8yzpnP5dDc
— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) February 1, 2026
CEO Jim Farley has defended the strategy, emphasizing that using licensed Chinese intellectual property allows Ford to bring advanced EV technology to the U.S. while building capacity for American workers. “Learning from established technology helps us scale efficiently,” Farley said, reiterating that no formal joint ventures are underway.
Competition Pressures Domestic Automakers
Beyond political concerns, Ford faces mounting competitive pressures. Chinese EV models, such as Xiaomi’s SU7, have gained attention for combining affordability and performance, contrasting with the roughly $50,000 average price of new vehicles in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Ford has announced plans to take a $19.5 billion write-down and drop several EV models, signaling the high costs of catching up in the market.
Analysts note that some domestic automakers may consider licensing or limited joint ventures to compete effectively, despite the regulatory hurdles. Polling shows that 79% of Americans cite national security concerns over Chinese cars, yet more than half would still consider purchasing them. This tension reflects the difficult balance between consumer demand, technology access, and national security.
Looking Ahead
Ford’s stock movement Monday may be modest, but the underlying dynamics highlight the complex landscape for U.S. automakers. Investors will be watching closely as political, technological, and competitive pressures converge, shaping how American companies navigate partnerships, technology licensing, and EV production strategy.
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