USA to impose 100% import duty on motorcycle imports from Europe?
Written on December 14, 2008 – 12:01 pm | by BikersUnite
US is considering imposition of a 100% customs import duty on motorcycles imported from Europe in retaliation to EU’s ban on US beef products derived from growth hormone treated cattle.
This regulation if implemented will severely impact sales of European giants including KTM, Husqvarna, BMW, Aprilia and many more. Ducati, MV Agusta and other manufacturers with high capacity bikes are not expected to be affected by this tariff which is expected to be applied to bikes from 50cc-500cc capacity.
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is in uproar over the proposal and is expected to take up this issue with the US government since this duty can severely affect off-road motorcycle sales.
“There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef,” says Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles.”
“A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families.”
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Tags: europe, import duty, us