Political action alert, save the GasGas, KTM, Husky, et al

 100% tariff proposed on all EU bikes between 50cc & 400cc. This could
signify the death of those bikes and the market surrounding them here in the
US. Time to speak up and let your voice be heard.

More information and a link to post your comments to the office of the USTR
http://www.georgiaoffroad.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t2845

For more specific detail look here and/or the thread on ThumperTalk
http://www.georgiaoffroad.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t2844


--
KW
aka DirtBikeDad (GOR, ADVRider, FRP, GA-MXRacing, OCRA)
aka GA-Spode (JustKDX, KTMTalk)
aka warrenmountain (Photobucket)
03 Kawasaki  KDX 220R
01 Kawasaki KX 85
03 Yamaha TTR 125L
90 Kawasaki  Bayou 220
03 Husky ZTH5221
01 Kubota B1700

 

It is strange how these things get dreamed up 100% on small bikes instead of
15% on all bikes.  I understand this is to retaliate for the EU or some of
it's members making trade rules against American beef.

If you are in the business of selling European motorcycles and parts and
accessories in this size (sure the top cc wasn't  500?) this is real
serious.  However if you have landowner permission to ride from a beef
producer you are somewhat conflicted.  Or are a beef producer yourself.

How do we ask/tell the Italians to let their citizens have the choice of
buying US beef?  That is what is going on here as best as I can tell.

Fran

 
This is from the AMA...


American Motorcyclist Association News Release
Dec. 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pete terHorst
Phone: (877) 877-8969
E-mail: peter.terhorst@sympoint.com

AMA fights possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European
motorcycles
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
announced today that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some
European motorcycles imported into the United States.

The plan being considered by U.S. trade officials would impose a 100
percent import duty on more than 100 European goods -- including two
engine displacement categories of motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and
251cc to 500cc.

The federal measure is designed as 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 Organization (WTO) order to end it.

If U.S. officials impose the retaliatory tariff, it would double the
price of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines from
brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg,
Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

"There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute
over beef," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government
relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative. "Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do
nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers
of European motorcycles."

The AMA's comments make a strong argument that motorcycles have no
business being used as a lever in a dispute over beef.

"Trade disputes residing concretely within the boundaries of the
agricultural industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions
levied against non-agricultural products," Moreland said. "A 100
percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause
serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and
medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally,
citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and
recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being
of millions of American families."

The United States wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to
equal the amount of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses each
year because of the ban. The WTO has agreed on that amount.

Interested parties have until Dec. 8 to comment on which European
goods should be subject to the 100 percent tariff in the dispute. It
is unknown when U.S. officials will make a final decision.


I prefer the taste of grass-fed beef with no hormones, myself.



Tami-

 

me too, btw, growth hormones are not allowed down here...

this things can't be good for health...

-- T

 My family rarely eats "store bought" meat anymore, usually it is when we are
dining out..only about once every other month, we are not subjected to the
hormones normally found in engineered food. this choice leave more money on
the table so that i can buy 2 stroke bikes & related paraphernalia...
john
    Genesis 9:3  Everything that lives and moves will
    be food for you. Just as I gave you the green
    plants, I now give you everything.