AMA
fights possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European
motorcycles
PICKERINGTON,
Ohio -- 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.