European motorcycles won’t be impacted by trade dispute
Motorcycles will not be on the list of European product that faces increased tariffs in connection with an import dispute, motorcycle industry groups reported.
The United States Trade Representative has decided against that measure as it deals with the European Union’s ban on imports of hormone-fed beef and beef products. Motorcycles over 50cc but not over 500cc from the European Union were initially considered to be impacted as retaliatory tariffs.
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) said it worked with affected member companies and submitted comments opposing the potential tariffs on motorcycle imports. The MIC outlined the economic harm such tariffs would cause to American businesses and their employees whose livelihoods depend on the ability to sell these products.
“With climate change, energy conservation and traffic congestion being among the most pressing issues facing our nation today, use of motorcycles should be encouraged rather than discouraged,” Kathy Van Kleeck, MIC’s senior vice president for government relations, said in a press release. “Many of the motorcycles that were under consideration for tariff imposition are the most fuel efficient available in the marketplace, while at the same time easing traffic congestion and parking capacity issues.”
