Ford (NYSE:F) Drop 5%+ as Tariffs Threaten Auto Industry marginsFord Motor Company (NYSE: F) is facing a challenging market environment as its stock price fell 5.27% to $9.61 as of 3:24 PM EDT. This drop comes amid declining sales and the looming threat of new tariffs from the Trump administration. In the last 52 weeks, Ford's stock has traded within a range of $9.06 to $14.85.
On Tuesday 1st April, Ford reported a 1.3% decline in total vehicle sales year-over-year, delivering 501,291 vehicles in Q1 2025. Despite this decline, retail sales rose by 5%, with a strong 19% surge in March, signaling that buyers may be accelerating purchases ahead of the impending tariffs.
General Motors (GM) posted strong results with a 17% increase in sales, delivering 693,353 vehicles in Q1 2025. The company achieved double-digit growth across all its brands, marking its best first-quarter performance since 2018. While GM shares remained stable, Ford shares saw further declines.
Tariffs Add Uncertainty for Automakers
The auto industry is preparing for the impact of a 25% tariff on foreign cars and parts. The Trump administration confirmed on Wednesday that his 25% global car and truck tariffs would take effect as scheduled on Thursday and that duties on automotive parts imports will be launched on May 3rd.
Although Ford manufactures most of its vehicles in the U.S, many essential parts are imported. Higher production costs could push car prices higher, affecting demand.
Ford executives have stated they are assessing the impact of these tariffs on their business operations. Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. assured shareholders that the company is prepared to handle geopolitical uncertainties. Despite this, investor sentiment remains cautious, contributing to the recent stock price decline.
Technical Analysis
Ford’s stock has been trading within a narrow range of $9 to $10 in the last three months. A strong resistance level at $11, tested several times from August to November 2024, remains unbroken. Since failing to break the resistance level, the stock has since then declined.
Currently, the price is testing a double support level at $9 comprising of a horizontal key support and a descending trendline. If this support holds, Ford’s stock may attempt another bull phase toward the $11 resistance level. On the other hand, a break below $9 could push the price lower, with the next potential support level at $8.45.
The 50-day, 100-day and 200-day moving averages are positioned above the current Market price, at $9.74, $10.08 and $10.70 respectively. This indicates strong bearish pressure, limiting bullish momentum in the near term.
Thoughts Moving Forward
With tariffs and the auto industry facing supply chain disruptions, Ford’s stock is likely to remain under pressure. The bearish sentiment could persist in the short term, especially if the price breaks below the key $9 support level.
If support holds, Ford could see a short-term bounce toward $11. However, sustained bullish momentum would require strong demand and improved market sentiment. This would be witnessed if its earnings report, set to be released between April 22nd and April 28th, 2025, is favorable. Until then, geopolitical and economic uncertainties weigh on the stock.
