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Fact Check: Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that a rare earth minerals shortage caused the automaker to temporarily shut down one of its plants in May 2025.

Fact Check: Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that a rare earth minerals shortage caused the automaker to temporarily shut down one of its plants in May 2025.

Published June 16, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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# Fact Check: "Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that a rare earth minerals shortage caused the automaker to temporarily shut down one of its plants in May 2...

Fact Check: "Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that a rare earth minerals shortage caused the automaker to temporarily shut down one of its plants in May 2025."

What We Know

Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed in a recent interview that a shortage of rare earth minerals significantly impacted production and led to the temporary shutdown of one of the automaker's plants in May 2025. Rare earth minerals are essential for various automotive components, including those that power features like windshield wipers and seat belts. Approximately 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals are sourced from China, which has recently implemented stricter export controls that complicate the supply chain for U.S. automakers like Ford (CBS News, Reuters).

In the interview, Farley described the situation as "hand-to-mouth," indicating that the flow of these critical minerals into the U.S. is inconsistent and poses ongoing challenges for production (Bloomberg). Additionally, Ford's Chief Financial Officer, Sherry House, noted that the administrative processes required to secure exports from China have become more cumbersome and unreliable (CBS News).

Analysis

The claim that a rare earth minerals shortage caused Ford to temporarily shut down a plant is supported by multiple credible sources. Farley's statements were reported by major news outlets, including Bloomberg and CBS News, which are known for their journalistic integrity and reliability. The context provided by these sources highlights the broader implications of the trade dynamics between the U.S. and China, particularly regarding the supply of rare earth minerals (Bloomberg, CBS News).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in the industry. Bloomberg, for instance, is a leading financial news organization with a history of accurate reporting on economic and business matters. The statements made by Farley are corroborated by Ford's own financial disclosures and the experiences of other automakers facing similar supply chain issues (Reuters, Detroit News).

However, it is important to note that while the information is consistent across multiple reports, the situation is fluid. The complexities of international trade and the dependency on rare earth minerals from China could lead to further disruptions in the future, as indicated by House's comments regarding the potential for these issues to escalate (CBS News, Fortune).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that Ford CEO Jim Farley stated a rare earth minerals shortage caused the automaker to temporarily shut down one of its plants in May 2025. This assertion is backed by direct quotes from Farley and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources, highlighting the critical role of rare earth minerals in automotive production and the challenges posed by current trade policies.

Sources

  1. Ford struggles with supply of rare earth magnets, CEO tells Bloomberg
  2. Ford CEO Jim Farley Says Rare Earth Supply Is 'Day to Day' - Bloomberg
  3. Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to halt production - MSN
  4. Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to shut factory
  5. Ford CEO says rare earth supply is 'day to day' after plant halt - Detroit News
  6. Ford CEO says rare earth supply is 'day to day' after plant halt - Fortune

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