ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JaimeC on April 21, 2021, 02:52:37 AM

Title: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: JaimeC on April 21, 2021, 02:52:37 AM

This affects Harley Davidson the most, but it is also going to have a SERIOUS impact on Zero.  I think I've heard they actually sell more bikes in Europe than the US?

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: Richard230 on April 21, 2021, 03:54:09 AM

Is this about the beef wars again?  Or did KTM and BMW complain about H-D's new Pan American SUV that was just introduced in Europe?  ::)
This could be really tough on Zero. I think you are right. They likely sell more motorcycles in the EU than in the US. Maybe they can get an exemption because they are electric.  ???

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: NEW2elec on April 21, 2021, 04:01:15 AM

Maybe come without handlebars and wheels attached so they have to be "built" in EU.

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: Richard230 on April 21, 2021, 04:12:11 AM

From this article it looks like the tariff only applies to H-D. The article starts out with lots of good news and then ends up with the bad news:  https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features/harley-davidson-records-positive-q1-2021-but-eu-tariff-threat-looms.html

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: JaimeC on April 21, 2021, 08:49:04 AM

http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2018/may/tradoc_156909.pdf

Page 8, Items 87114000 and 87115000.  It would appear this only applies to piston engine powered motorcycles.  Zeroes (and Harley's own Livewire) would be exempt.

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: princec on April 21, 2021, 02:49:31 PM

That would have the odd effect of making the LiveWire seem better value for money than their V-twins...

Cas :)

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: Richard230 on April 21, 2021, 07:50:10 PM

I had a friend speculate that this tariff on H-D was a payback for the steel and aluminum tariffs that Trump imposed on the EU a few years ago. I had thought that it might also have something to do with the EU/US beef over beef, which has been going on for the last couple of decades.  In any case, it is suspicious that the tariff was imposed right after H-D introduced their new Pan American model to the EU press last week.

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: ultratoad on April 21, 2021, 09:10:05 PM

Don't forget Indian !!!!  Maybe we should put a 50% tariff on BMW, Ducati, KTM, Husky and Triumph....  Let the games begin.... 

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: JaimeC on April 21, 2021, 09:18:52 PM

This is actually in retaliation for tariffs the former administration imposed on European steel back in 2018.  Guess the current administration hasn't gotten around to lifting those tariffs yet.  There are quite a few things they need to fix; I'm sure they'll get around to this one as well.

Title: Re: EU imposes 50% tariff on all US-Built motorcycles
Post by: reini on April 21, 2021, 09:35:30 PM

Quote from: ultratoad on April 21, 2021, 09:10:05 PM

Don't forget Indian !!!!  Maybe we should put a 50% tariff on BMW, Ducati, KTM, Husky and Triumph....  Let the games begin....

That's a game no one is going to win...