Proposed Tariff Puts Small US Based Motorcycle Businesses at Risk

Proposed Tariff Puts Small US Based Motorcycle Businesses at Risk

The Office of United States Trade Representative requested comments on Dec. 28 regarding its proposal to include tariffs on motorcycles imported from the European Union with an engine size between 51cc and 500cc in the trade dispute between the E.U. – U.S. over hormones in beef.  

 

 

The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 30.

 

Specifically the agency is proposing a 100% or higher, tariff, which has the potential to wreck havoc and cause serious economical harm to small- and medium-sized dealers and business owners who sell these small motorcycles. 

Brands that will be affected include 1) Aprilla; 2) Beta; 3) BMW; 4) Ducati; 5) Fantic; 6) Gas Gas; 7) Husqvarna; 9) KTM; 10) Montesa; 11) Piaggio; 12) Scorpa; 13) Sherco; 14) TM; and 15) Vespa.

The American Motorcyclist Association and other dealer organizations oppose this proposed tariff, because trade disputes residing within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be solved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products.

The AMA says, "Should the availability of product be hindered through unjustified trade sanctions on European-produced motorcycles, dealerships may close, leaving countless Americans without jobs.The negative effects of the proposed trade sanctions will not only harm the motorcycle sales industry, but will spread through the aftermarket equipment sector, recreation equipment sales, the sports entertainment industry and further down the line."

It's crucial that you submit your comments HERE to the USTR by Jan 30, to say you oppose this tariff.  

Please share on FB if you oppose this tariff.

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