IN
THE
WIND
P28
EU Tariff Threat Resolved
A
unified push by the Motor-
cycle Industry Council, its
member companies, and their
staffs and dealers has resulted in
motorcycles, parts and accesso-
ries being left off the most recent
round of European Union tariffs.
Some 100 comments to the
United States Trade Representa-
tive, referencing motorcycles,
urged against tariffs of up to 100
percent on all 500-700cc motor-
cycles and scooters, as well as
all parts and accessories, from
the EU and the United Kingdom.
"We're incredibly pleased that
European motorcycles, parts,
and accessories have been
removed from the most recent
round of EU tariffs in relation to
the Airbus situation," said John
Hinz, CEO of KTM North Ameri-
ca Inc., and MIC board member.
"We are extremely thankful that
the U.S. Trade Representa-
tive heard our concerns and
recognized the unintended and
potentially devastating impacts
that tariffs could have on our in-
dustry. This would not have been
possible without the support of
the MIC and its members, the ef-
forts of Congressman Michael C.
Burgess, MD, Congressman Tim
Walberg, Congressman Ken Cal-
vert, Congressman Jim Jordan,
our dealers and our employees,
and the support of all our indus-
try partners. Thank you to all
who wrote letters, made phone
calls, and let Washington DC,
know the value of our industry
and our businesses here in the
United States."
It was an international effort as
well, with written comments sup-
plied by Antonio Perlot, secretary
general of ACEM, the Motor-
cycle Industry in Europe.
"This was the third time the
USTR made this proposal, and
the third time the industry was
able to prevail with combined
support," said Erik Pritchard,
MIC president and CEO. "The
MIC's Government Relations Of-
fice will continue to monitor the
situation, hoping that the USTR
does not propose these tariffs a
fourth time." CN
The motorcycle
industry won't see
European tariffs
for the 500-700cc
segment.
