General Motors is directing thousands of suppliers to remove Chinese-sourced parts from their supply chains, as the automaker seeks to boost resilience amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. Some suppliers have been given a 2027 deadline to phase out China sourcing entirely.

The initiative, which started in late 2024 but gained urgency this spring, targets parts used in vehicles built in North America, where GM produces most of its cars. While the focus is on China, other countries facing U.S. trade restrictions, such as Russia and Venezuela, are also part of the plan.

GM remains open to sourcing from other non-U.S. suppliers outside China but prefers local supply for local production.

GM has already taken steps to reduce reliance on China for battery materials and chips, partnering with U.S.-based rare-earth companies and investing in domestic lithium production.

The latest move broadens this effort to include basic components and materials, reflecting the growing complexity of global supply chains and the risks posed by tariffs, export restrictions, and geopolitical disputes.

Industry experts note that re-routing supply chains is challenging and costly, as China dominates areas like lighting, electronics, and specialised tooling. GM executives emphasise that the shift is about resiliency and control, not just cost, acknowledging that decades-long sourcing patterns cannot be undone overnight.