Trump’s Motorcycle-Related Tariffs Cause EU to Take Drastic Measures

Customers in Europe, including the UK, are about to find out that buying a new Harley-Davidson could cost a lot more than before, as the EU has responded to the USA’s significant tariff increase of 25 per cent across all steel and aluminium goods, with its own counter tariffs.

As part of the new set of European measures, American-made motorcycles will see an additional 50 per cent tariff imposed, which is set to become effective on 1 April. Furthermore, there are additional tariffs on American-made goods that will go into effect on 13 April, however, the motorcycle-related ones are set for the beginning of next month.

The motorcycle sector between Europe and the US is one that’s long consisted of deep industrial and economic ties, and as a result European manufacturers export significant numbers of motorcycles to America.

That also means American manufacturers have a strong presence in the European market, which is particularly true in relation to the UK, therefore these tariffs on motorcycles risks “disrupting businesses, harming consumers, and threatening jobs on both sides of the Atlantic”, according to the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers.

The European motorcycle industry has since called for a negotiated solution for transatlantic trade, with Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, saying: “Whilst we recognise the need for a balanced response to trade disputes, motorcycles should not become collateral damage in broader trade conflicts. The motorcycle industry provides high-quality manufacturing and related jobs, mobility and access to employment for millions of people and is a fundamental economic driver.

“As nobody wins in trade wars, we strongly call for a return to reason and for both parties to reach a fair solution.”

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, added: "Today's tariffs from the United States take us in the wrong direction and the reason is manyfold. The EU-US trade partnership is well balanced and highly profitable to both sides. On steel and aluminium particularly, we share some of the challenges – for instance, global overcapacities driven by non-market practices – and the European Union is part of the solution, not the problem.

"Last month, during my visit to Washington to raise these points, it was indeed clear that the European Union isn't the problem, making today's measures even more unjustified. I argued to avoid the unnecessary burden of measures and countermeasures. But you need both hands to clap."

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