Ford CEO Jim Farley welcomed hundreds of leaders on Tuesday from across America’s manufacturing, construction, and logistics sectors to the Ford Pro Accelerate summit at Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, setting the stage for an urgent conversation on U.S. competitiveness in what he calls the “essential economy.” At a moment when workforce shortages and declining productivity threaten the nation’s industrial backbone, Farley called for bold action and new partnerships to restore American leadership and innovation.
Farley’s message was both a rallying cry and a stark warning: He fears that China—through relentless investment and cohesive strategy—is rapidly accelerating ahead of the United States in manufacturing and critical technologies. When asked how America’s essential economy compares with what he sees worldwide, Farley responded: “We’re far behind … It is pretty humbling when you look at where we are with our essential economy, society’s acceptance and recognition for the importance of these jobs.” Farley urged American businesses and policymakers to close the gap: “We really need to put our money where our mouth is.”
The Ford chief executive discussed his visits to other countries with advanced manufacturing, and he described a sinking feeling as he realized that America is not making the investments he believes are necessary to keep pace: “When you go to China, South Korea, Japan … what they do is they invest. They really invest.” Farley briefly discussed President Trump’s trade policy and economic priorities, saying, “You can agree or disagree with his policies, but I wonder how they fit with the essential economy.”
