Harley-Davidson to shift some motorcycle production out of the US to avoid EU tariffs
European Union levies could cost the iconic American manufacturer up to $100m annually
London/New York — Harley-Davidson plans to shift some production of its motorcycles out of the US in response to European Union tariffs, as President Donald Trump’s trade war undermines an iconic American manufacturer. Each motorcycle will cost about $2,200 more after the European Union raised its levies on imported US bikes to 31% from 6% on June 22, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer said on Monday in a regulatory filing. This will cost Harley about $90m to $100m annually, as the company will absorb rather than pass extra costs on to customers. While Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US can win trade wars, victims are starting to pile up at home and abroad. Harley’s filing follows a profit warning last week from Daimler, which cited escalating tensions between the US and China. The motorcycle maker tied its higher costs to a sequence started by Trump, who slapped tariffs on European steel and aluminium, prompting the EU’s retaliation. Harley did not specify which international p...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.