The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, ACEMand Asdor, as a member of the same, express their deep concern for the fact that the framework agreement between the EU and the USA. Reached last August 21 you gave a lot to address the commercial challenges faced by European manufacturers, including Spaniards.
Recognizing the diplomatic efforts of both parts of the Atlantic, the partial scope of the agreement leaves the European motorcycle industry facing the new 15 % general tariff on products exported to the United States. In addition, European motorcycles, parts and accessories are also subject to 50 % tariffs on their steel content.
ACEM and Asdor warn of fundamental competitive disadvantages
The last movement of the Trump administration (a 50% increase in steel tariffs and imported aluminum) places the world motorcycle industry in the hurricane eye. Although motorcycles are not cited directly in the Federal Registry, the simple fact that they are built almost entirely on these metals turns the measure into a direct blow.
This unbalanced frame creates an economically unsustainable situation for European manufacturers, since steel is a fundamental component in motorcycle manufacturing. The persistence of punitive tariffs threatens the competitiveness of our companies and endangers the jobs they generate throughout Europe and in the United States.
The current agreement introduces, in practice, a discriminatory treatment that undermines satisfactory transatlantic commercial relations. Although the agreement provides for future conversations about tariffs for steel, aluminum and derived products, ACEM and Anesdor insist that these conversations must go beyond vague commitments and realize in specific deadlines and measurable results.
The industry cannot withstand prolonged uncertainty as long as they persist fundamental competitive disadvantages. European manufacturers need immediate clarity about when integral relief will be achieved. Looking ahead, ACEM will continue its usual collaboration with European institutions to contribute their technical knowledge and the perspective of the industry to the ongoing negotiations
Antonio Perlot, General Secretary of ACEM, he said: “Although we recognize the efforts of the Commission, this Framework Agreement, as written, represents a deeply inadequate response to the challenges faced by the European industry. In addition to the 15 % tariff for general products, the new tariffs of 50 % on the steel content make a large part of the benefits of the agreement are meaningless for motorcycle manufacturers.”
Concludes: “We cannot accept a situation in which European companies continue to be at a serious competitive disadvantage due to incomplete negotiations. The European motorcycle industry asks for a balanced negotiated solution for transatlantic trade, which restores loyal competition and mutual access to the market.” For its part, José María Riañogeneral secretary of Anesdor, has argued:
“Spain has different manufacturers that are also affected by this situation. For our specialties, such as motorcycles, off room or electric, the North American market is important. It is necessary that this agreement be reviewed as soon as possible, and adjusts in a more accurate way to the characteristics of the motorcycle industry, so that the generated impact is mitigated as soon as possible.”
