Ford Lincoln China Imports To End From 2030

Ford Plans To Phase Out Lincoln Imports From China

Ford Motor Co. said on August 12 that it will begin phasing out Ford Motor Co Lincoln model imports from China for the U.S. market beginning in 2030, as the automaker increases production of Lincoln vehicles in the United States. The plan represents a longer-term shift toward domestic manufacturing for the luxury brand, although Ford has not disclosed specific details about which U.S. facility would receive additional Lincoln production. The company confirmed that production of the Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator will continue at Chicago Assembly and the Kentucky Truck Plant, respectively, maintaining established U.S. manufacturing operations for those models.

Lincoln Nautilus Continues To Face High Import Tariff

The Lincoln Nautilus SUV, which has been imported from China since 2024, currently faces a 52.5% tariff in the U.S. market. Despite the planned phaseout of China-built Lincoln imports from 2030, Ford did not specify when or where additional Lincoln production would begin in the United States. The company has also indicated that the Nautilus could remain available to American customers for several more years. This creates a transition period in which the China-built SUV can continue serving the market while Ford evaluates future production arrangements and works toward greater domestic manufacturing capacity for its Lincoln lineup.

Ford Addresses Connected Vehicle Rule Authorization

Ford was among several automakers that requested authorization from the U.S. Commerce Department to continue selling vehicles potentially affected by the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts certain Chinese technology and hardware in vehicles sold in the U.S. Ford subsequently said discussions with the Commerce Department clarified that the Lincoln Nautilus no longer required authorization to remain on sale. According to a Ford spokesperson, the vehicle's software was developed in the United States and is only installed into the vehicle in China. This distinction means the Nautilus can continue to be sold without the previously anticipated authorization requirement.

China-Built Lincoln Models Could Remain In U.S. Market

The clarification surrounding the Nautilus leaves open the possibility that the China-built SUV will remain in the U.S. market beyond the immediate regulatory concerns and potentially for several more years. It also creates a possible path for the refreshed Lincoln Corsair to return to the American market. The Corsair was built in China, while production at the Louisville Assembly plant ended in December 2025. Ford's latest position therefore does not completely close the door on China-built Lincoln vehicles in the United States before the planned 2030 phaseout, although any future model decisions would depend on production strategy and applicable regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Ford phase out Lincoln imports from China?
Ford plans to begin phasing out China-built Lincoln model imports for the U.S. market from 2030, while expanding domestic production of Lincoln vehicles. The company has not yet identified the specific U.S. facility or timing for the additional production. The Lincoln Aviator and Navigator will continue to be produced at Chicago Assembly and the Kentucky Truck Plant, respectively. Meanwhile, the China-built Lincoln Nautilus can remain available in the U.S. for several more years because Ford says its software is developed in the United States and only installed into the vehicle in China.