Ford Cars Held At Port Signaling Trade Tensions With China

President Donald Trump is highly opposed to foreign automakers selling cars in the United States, and American automakersbuilding their cars in other countries. Trump's policies ontrade tariffs have caused tensionswith foreign countries such as Mexico, and now China. According to a report byReuters, Ford and several German manufacturers are experiencing holdups at Chinese ports due to trade tensions with China. Three sources close to the matter say US goods are facing increased scrutiny in China thanks to a trade standoff.

The sources claim that several Ford and Lincoln models have been facing unusual delays, with Chinese officials asking for extra checks. Some US-built models from German automakers, mostly SUVs, were also being held. According to a China-based executive from Ford, the company was asked to do extra checks on emission components. The executive asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. A second source says BMW and Mercedes have also experienced delays, though a BMW spokesperson said "US-made BMW cars have not been delayed at the ports as of last week and before."