Ford books $1.3 billion tariff refund, lifting profits despite falling volumes

• Ford flagged a one-time $1.3 billion tariff benefit in its quarterly results.
• The announcement comes a day after GM reported a roughly $500 million tariff benefit.
• Still, car companies expect to pay billions on other tariffs levied on imported vehicles and parts.

Ford just got a big tariff-related boost.

The automaker said on Wednesday that it booked a $1.3 billion one-time tariff-related benefit, tied to duties it paid between March 2025 and February 2026. The benefit helped lift profits to $2.5 billion, even as its underlying business showed mixed signals.

Revenue rose 6% to $43.3 billion, while wholesale volumes dropped by 4%.

In February, the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs were illegal, prompting companies to begin filing claims to recover costs.

Ford's announcement comes a day after its cross-town Detroit competitor, General Motors, flagged a roughly $500 million tariff benefit.

Despite the one-time tailwind, automakers are still expected to face billions in tariff costs. Trump has imposed a separate 25% tariff on automotive parts and vehicles under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Ford, which says it builds more than 80% of its vehicles in the US, expects about $1 billion in tariff-related costs this year.