Trump’s Tariff Crusade Hardly Matters for U.S. Automakers in China
- GM, Ford already have joint ventures with Chinese companies
- Tesla’s Musk, with no China factory, has lobbied for duty cut
This article is for subscribers only.
Auto workers in the U.S. hoping President Donald Trump’s tougher approach to China will help create jobs at home and cut the trade deficit by $100 billion may be in for a huge disappointment.
General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are among companies that already make cars in China with domestic partners for the local buyer, not only to avoid the 25 percent import duty but also to take advantage of lower costs. GM’s partners in China include SAIC Motor Corp., while Ford has tied up with Changan Automobile Group and holds a stake in Jiangling Motors Corp.