US: Ford Seeks Approval to Import Lincoln Nautilus from China; Case Opens New Front in Auto Restrictions

According to press reports, Ford Motor Company has reportedly requested a special authorization from the US government to continue importing the Lincoln Nautilus SUV built at its Chongqing, China plant. The request responds to regulations enacted in January 2025 restricting imports of Chinese vehicles on national security grounds. Ford argues the model already met prior requirements and is seeking a waiver to avoid supply chain disruptions. As of this writing, neither the official instrument detailing the requirements nor Ford's request have been published.

These restrictions fall within the broader framework of US-China trade tensions. Under the Biden administration, requirements for importing Chinese goods deemed sensitive have tightened, particularly in technology and automotive sectors. If confirmed, the regulation would require explicit approval for each model imported from China, based on security and technology dependency assessments. The Lincoln Nautilus, a luxury SUV assembled in China, represents a test case for other manufacturers.