Ford Motor Co. said it plans to start importing its Focus compact from China, reflecting an industry trend that gives car makers more flexibility but threatens the growth of automotive jobs in the U.S.

The move, announced Tuesday, is the latest change in Ford’s approach to production for its once-hot Focus, a small car the company started building in Michigan earlier in the decade. Ford F, -2.25% said last year it would move the Focus to Mexico in 2018.