In a bullshit move [no pun intended] that could serve as a terminal blow to the American motorcycle market, the Office of United States Trade Representative is attempting to impose a 100 percent tariff on all motorcycles that displace between 51cc and 500cc imported from the European Union (EU).
If the tariff is imposed, dirtbike brands such as Beta, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Scorpa, Sherco and TM would be seriously affected, and it could hamper the ability of those companies to do business in the United States, as it is unlikely that customers would want to pay double for new European machines. Streetbike brands that would be affected include Aprilla, BMW and Ducati as well as 51-500cc scooters from manufactured by Piaggio and Vespa.
What makes the proposal particularly ridiculous as that it essentially has nothing to with motorcycles. Rather, motorcycles have been swept into a dispute between the United States and the EU over beef hormone trade. The bullet points of the proposal call for 100 percent tariffs on the following goods imported from the EU:
|
55041000 |
Viscose rayon staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning. |
| 55101100 | Single yarn (other than sewing thread) containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibers, not put up for retail sale. |
| 85102010 | Hair clippers, with self-contained electric motor, to be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. |
| 85102090 | Hair clippers, with self-contained electric motor, other than those to be used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. |
| 87112000 | Motorcycles (incl. mopeds) and cycles, fitted with reciprocating internal-combustion piston engine with cylinder capacity of over 50 cc but not over 250 cc. |
| 87113000 | Motorcycles (incl. mopeds) and cycles, fitted with reciprocating internal-combustion piston engine with cylinder capacity of over 250 cc but not over 500 cc. |
This marks the second time that this tariff has been proposed. In 2009, the fools in the Office of United States Trade Representative tried to battle the 27-member EU’s import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones, and the office included language to place a tariff on European motorcycles displacing between 51-500cc imported into the US. EU officials refused to lift the 20-year-old beef ban despite a World Trade Organization order to end it, and the proposal was eventually killed.
The American Motorcyclist Association has issued the following statement regarding the propose tariff along with link that allows all motorcyclists to take action to oppose to these potentially devastating 100 percent tariffs:
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 E.U. – U.S. beef hormone trade dispute. The deadline to submit comments is Jan. 30.
The American Motorcyclist Association opposes the 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.
Specifically, a 100 percent, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles is proposed. This 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.
You can do something to prevent this from happening!
Use the AMA’s easy to use tools to submit comments to the USTR by Jan. 30 to say you oppose the idea to penalize motorcyclists in the beef trade dispute.
Make our voice stronger by sharing the AMA alert. Share with your friends on Facebook.
The AMA, of course, also encourages readers to join the organization and help in the fight. Whether you do or don’t is your decision, but we do encourage you to visit the AMA website and use their tools to voice your opinion. Do not count on this proposal being killed once again. With a new Republican majority in both houses of Congress as well as a new Republican president whose platform included taking steps to protect American businesses, now, more than ever, you need to stand up and fight for your interests as a motorcyclist!
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