Raul's column: The tariff war reaches the motorcycle market

Following Trump's announcement to tax the world, the European Union has paused its first measures against US tariffs. European retaliation could soon hit US motorcycle factories. Read more in this edition of Raul's Column

In response to US decision to impose tariffs of 25% on up to 26 billion euros of steel, aluminum and derivatives exports from the EU, the European Commission would launch countermeasures that match the economic impact of the US tariffs. The EU would reinstate its 2018 and 2020 tariffs on US imports from April 1 and introduce additional countermeasures by mid-April.

Specifically, the European Commission confirmed that, without further action, an additional 50% tax would be added to motorcycles of US origin above 500 cm³ as of April 1, 2025. In addition, in the European Commission's expanded second phase rebalancing proposal, which was due to be applied on April 13, all categories of motorcycles under 500 cm³, as well as electric motorcycles, were suggested for possible inclusion.

The second phase list remains subject to a public consultation to which the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers has asked for the exclusion of all motorcycles from this trade war unrelated to the motorcycle sector. The motorcycle market in Europe and the US is deeply intertwined, with strong industrial and economic ties. European manufacturers export a significant number of motorcycles to the US, while American manufacturers have a strong presence on the European market.

READ MORE: The 10 heaviest series production motorcycles today

Placing tariffs on motorcycles risks disrupting businesses, harming consumers and threatening jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Instead of allowing this dispute to escalate with retaliatory measures, the European motorcycle industry is calling for a negotiated solution to transatlantic trade. The US and EU motorcycle industries want fair trade and to be able to continue delivering the highest quality products to all passionate customers across Europe and the United States.

The Board of the Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers recognizes the need for a balanced response to trade disputes, as motorcycles must not become collateral damage in wider trade conflicts. The motorcycle industry provides high-quality manufacturing and jobs, mobility and access to employment for millions of people and is a key economic driver. According to the association, nobody wins in trade wars and they strongly call for a return to reason and for both sides to reach a fair solution.

So let's hope that tempers cool and the motorcycle industry doesn't suffer from President Donald Trump's tariffs. May the end be happy for everyone! See you in Raul's next column!