No more beef with Europeans

January 16, 2009

The U.S. trade representative has decided against imposing any tariffs on certain motorcycles imported from Europe in a trade dispute over beef, according to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

If the plan went ahead, there was a possibility of putting a 100 percent import duty on certain Europeans goods, including motorcycles with engine displacements of 51-500cc.

"This is great news not only for US enthusiasts of these European motorcycles, but also for the small- and medium-sized American businesses that sell and import these machines," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But we have to remain vigilant to ensure that these bikes don't slip onto the tariff list in the future."

The AMA vigorously opposed the plan, on the basis that there is no logical between European motorcycles and beef.

Imposing the tariff could have increased the cost of certain imported motorcycles and scooters from manufacturers such as Aprilia, BMW, Bultaco, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, Husaberg, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa and TM.

The proposal was put together in 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 Organisation order to end it.