The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), as happened years ago, has raised the voice to demand that the motorcycles be out of the infamous commercial war initiated by Donald Trump. Your secretary general just declared:
“While we recognize the need for a balanced response to commercial disputes, motorcycles should not become collateral damage to broader commercial conflicts. The motorcycle industry provides high quality products and uses thousands of people. In addition, it is a fundamental economic engine. Since no one wins in commercial wars, we make an energetic call to return to reason since both parties reach a fair solution”
“Tariffs are taxes that affect companies and, even more, consumers. They destabilize supply chains, generate uncertainty and put jobs at risk. The last thing the economies of the European Union and the United States need is this type of barriers”, He said Ursula von der LeyenPresident of the European Commission, announcing the EU response to the tariff measures of Washington.
As we all know, the conflict intensified on March 12, when it was confirmed that the EU will apply new rates to certain American products, as retaliation for the 25% tariff that the US imposed on European aluminum and steel. Thus, the affected American products will be: jeans, whiskey, boats, agricultural products and, as we are telling you, motorcycles.
But not all American brands are equally exposed to these measures. Indian Motorcyclefor example, manufactures mid -range motorcycles in its Opole, Poland plant, destined to the European market, which reduces its vulnerability. However, its biggest models continue to occur in Spirit Lake, Iowa, which makes them susceptible to new tariffs.
For now, both Harley-Davidson as of Indian And even from Zero Motorcycles they have not officially spoken. The truth is that, when tariffs of this caliber come into play, the impact usually falls directly to the importers, who, in turn, transfer this increase in costs to customers.
Unfortunately, this is a déjà vu Tariff for Harley-Davidson. Yes, this is not the first time Harley-Davidson She is trapped in a commercial dispute between the US and the EU. In fact, during the first mandate of Donald TrumpIn 2018, Washington raised US motorcycle exports tariffs to Europe. This triggered the price of Harley Up to 2,000 euros per unit, which led the brand to transfer part of its production outside the US to avoid the commercial coup.
At the time, Trump harshly criticized the decision of Harleyaccusing her of “surrender“And declaring that a Harley It should be manufactured in the United States. “I am surprised that Harley-Davidson is the first to raise the white flag“, said Trump. In addition, he warned: “We are going to put taxes to the eyebrows”
Now, in his second term, history seems to be repeated. The difference is that, on this occasion, it is the EU that imposes restrictions and Harley-Davidson must evaluate how to respond. Beyond Harley-Davidson’s symbolism as an icon of the American engine, the brand does not cross its best moment. In 2024 he registered a 11 % drop in income, a 47 % reduction in their operational profits and a 7 % decrease in their global sales.
Before this panorama, brand enthusiasts in Europe could obviously face higher prices in the coming months. Those who are considering buying a Harley-Davidson, maybe they should do so before April 1, before the tariff increase is reflected in the dealers.
