Brussels (Belgium) | 13 March 2025
In response to the U.S. decision to impose 25% tariffs on up to €26 billion of EU steel, aluminium, and derivative exports, the European Commission has launched countermeasures matching the economic impact of the US tariffs. The EU will reinstate its 2018 and 2020 tariffs on U.S. imports starting on April 1st and will introduce additional countermeasures by mid-April.
Specifically, the European Commission confirmed yesterday that, without further action, a 50% additional duty will be added to U.S.-origin motorcycles above 500cc from April 1st, 2025. Furthermore, in the European Commission’s expanded second phase rebalancing proposal, due to apply on April 13th, all motorcycle categories below 500cc, as well as electric motorcycles, have been suggested for possible inclusion. The second phase list remains subject to a public consultation to which ACEM will respond urging the exclusion of all motorcycles from this trade war unrelated to our sector.
The motorcycle sector in Europe and the U.S. is deeply interconnected, with strong industrial and economic ties. European manufacturers export significant numbers of motorcycles to the U.S., while American manufacturers have a strong presence in the European market. 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 calls for a negotiated solution for transatlantic trade. The U.S. and EU motorcycle industries want fair transatlantic trade and to be able to continue delivering our highest quality products to our passionate customers across Europe and the United States.
QUOTE
Commenting on the measures, Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, said: “Whilst we recognise the need for a balanced response to trade disputes, motorcycles should not become collateral damage in broader trade conflicts. The motorcycle industry provides high-quality manufacturing and related jobs, mobility and access to employment for millions of people and is a fundamental economic driver. As nobody wins in trade wars, we strongly call for a return to reason and for both parties to reach a fair solution”.
Media Contact
ACEM Communications
Note for editors
ABOUT ACEM
- The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) represents manufacturers of mopeds, motorcycles, three-wheelers and quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe.
- ACEM members include 17 manufacturing companies: BMW Motorrad, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Ducati Motor holding, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, MV Agusta, Peugeot Motorcycles, Piaggio, Polaris Industries, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycles, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles.
- ACEM also represents 19 motorcycle industry associations in 17 different European countries. About 300,000 jobs depend on the L-category industry in Europe. There are more than 39 million motorcycles and scooters on Europe’s roads (2024 estimate).
