[RideApart] - 100% Tariff on European Bikes?

[Ninjette Newsbot]

100% Tariff on European Bikes?

Where’s the Beef?

The Office of United States Trade Representative has requested comments on its proposal to include tariffs on motorcycles below 501cc imported from Europe. The proposal was part of a dispute on beef prices between the U.S. and Europe. The American Motorcyclist Association, among others, opposes the proposed tariff, because agricultural trade disputes should not be solved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products. The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 30.

A similar proposal was lodged seven years ago, and was subsequently squelched. According to the AMA, such a tariff “will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, consumers will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreational motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and wellbeing of millions of American families.
Manufacturers that will be impacted: 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.

“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.”

The deadline for comments is Jan. 30. They may be submitted in the Federal eRulemaking Portal: or an AMA web form. Vulgarity and outraged obscenities won’t help. The rational response should focus on the potential loss of jobs for American families. The bureaucrats respond to the force of public opposition, as they did in the recent congressional ethics chicanery.
Make your voice heard.

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