Trade agency's beef extending to bikes

Trade disputes apparently have boundaries, with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reporting that a US federal agency is looking at 'tacking' a 100 percent or higher tariff on motorcycles made in Europe as part of a trade battle over hormones in American beef.

The Office of United States Trade Representative has requested comments regarding its proposal to include tariffs on motorcycles with an engine size between 51cc and 500cc imported from the European Union.

The AMA opposes the proposed tariff, arguing that "trade disputes residing within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be solved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products".

"There is no logical link between motorcycles and beef," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. "It is absurd to even consider such a move.

"We urge all concerned citizens to make their views known on this issue before the January 30 deadline (here)."

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity and direct investment policy and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president's principal trade adviser, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.

"Should the availability of motorcycles be hindered by these unjustified trade sanctions, dealerships may close, leaving countless Americans without jobs," Allard said. "The negative effects of the proposed sanctions will not only harm the motorcycle sales industry, but will spread through the aftermarket equipment sector, recreation equipment sales, the sports entertainment industry and further down the line."

Affected manufacturers include Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Ducati, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

The same agency tried the same tactic in 2008, but the effort was thwarted when the AMA, the Motorcycle Industry Council and bike manufacturers and retailers rallied motorcyclists against the plan. At that time, the U.S. Trade Representative instead raised the tariff on a variety of European food products.