New York, Jan 15, 2026, 09:46 ET — Regular session.
- Ford shares climbed in early trading amid renewed concerns over trade-policy risks
- CEO Jim Farley advocated for preserving the USMCA deal, though he called for some changes
- Investors are turning to the Feb. 10 results for updated guidance
Ford Motor’s stock climbed roughly 0.7% to $13.94 in early Thursday trades as the company’s outlook on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) caught investors’ attention ahead of a scheduled review later this year. General Motors inched up 0.2%, Tesla added about 1%, while Stellantis fell 1.2%.
Ford CEO Jim Farley called the trade deal essential, referring to North America as an “integrated manufacturing system” while urging changes. Executive chair Bill Ford flagged concerns about “regulatory whiplash.” Both highlighted affordability, with Bill Ford pointing to a $30,000 electric pickup planned for 2027. Reuters
The debate intensified after President Donald Trump visited a Ford plant in Dearborn on Tuesday, dismissing the deal as “irrelevant.” The American Automotive Policy Council, representing Ford, GM, and Stellantis, pushed back, saying USMCA brings “tens of billions of dollars in annual savings.” GM President Mark Reuss emphasized that supply chains span all three countries and are “very complex.” Reuters
Trade has returned to the spotlight.
For investors, this is concrete. USMCA rules determine where parts come from and where vehicles get built. Tariffs — import taxes — can quickly drive costs up if policies shift.
The auto sector has weathered policy changes for years, but this time the timing makes it impossible to overlook. Supply chains and investment decisions can’t afford to pause for political uncertainty.
Detroit buzzed over Ford’s product news as the Maverick Lobo clinched the 2026 North American Truck of the Year award, according to the event’s organizers.
Awards won’t protect against tariff risks. If the review shifts toward steeper levies or abrupt rule changes, automakers may have to either hike sticker prices or absorb the costs—right when execs are warning about consumers feeling the squeeze.
Ford’s upcoming earnings report is the key event for the stock. The company announced back in December it will release its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Feb. 10.
The report will detail shifts in pricing, incentives, and costs, likely sparking new questions about Ford’s strategy amid the USMCA review and potential tariff discussions.
