AMA fights possible 100% tariffs
on KTM & European motorcycles
Pickerington, OH (12/8/2008)
– The American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) announced today that it has
written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
opposing a plan that could double the cost of
some European motorcycles imported into the United
States.
The plan being considered by
U.S. trade officials would impose a 100 percent
import duty on more than 100 European goods --
including two engine displacement categories of
motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and 251cc to 500cc.
The federal measure is designed
as retaliation to the 27-member European Union's
continuing import ban on American beef treated
with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted
that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization
(WTO) order to end it.
If U.S. officials impose the
retaliatory tariff, it would double the price
of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines
from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic,
Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio,
Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.
"There is no logical link
between European motorcycles and the dispute over
beef," said 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."
The AMA's comments make a strong
argument that motorcycles have no business being
used as a lever in a dispute over beef.
"Trade disputes residing
concretely within the boundaries of the agricultural
industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions
levied against non-agricultural products,"
Moreland said. "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."
The United States wants to impose
$116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount
of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses
each year because of the ban. The WTO has agreed
on that amount.
Interested parties have until
Dec. 8 to comment on which European goods should
be subject to the 100 percent tariff in the dispute.
It is unknown when U.S. officials will make a
final decision.
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P.O. Box 800
Pickerington, OH 43147-0800 |
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