Why Is the Beef Industry Trying to Tax Motorcycles?

Metier Law Firm
Mon, 06 Feb 2017 20:00:00 +0000
Motorcycle Accident, MotorcycleNews

What do you like better? Riding your motorcycle or eating a nice juicy steak from a cow raised right here in the good old USA? Well, you may not have to choose between the two, but if things keep going the way they are, one might make the other too expensive to afford.

Why the Beef Industry Is Trying to Tax Your Motorcycle

Back in the late 1990s, the European Union banned the sale of U.S. beef in its member nations. The organization had prohibited the use of certain hormones that are widely used in American beef. However, the World Trade Organization ruled that there was no scientific basis for banning meat that was treated with hormones. So, the WTO gave permission to the US to slap a retaliation tariff on a special list of products from the EU. This list includes several food products such as meat, sausages and cheese… Oh yeah, it also includes motorcycles.

Lobbyists have included motorcycles and mopeds on the list of items that should be taxed for the sake of retaliation. Manufacturers that would be affected by the tax include: Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Ducati, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa. The tariff would also be limited to motorcycles with engine capacities under 500cc but over 51cc. This means some of the most popular dirt bikes, scooters and beginner bikes could see their prices go up, and we aren’t talking a few hundred bucks.

How Bad Could A Retaliation Tariff Be?

The American Motorcyclist Association says that the tariff could be up to or beyond 100 percent, which would double the price of these motorcycles. Could you imagine paying $11,000 for the KTM RC 390? How about $19,000 for a Husqvarna FC 450 motocross bike? Right now, the AMA is trying to stop this tariff from becoming a reality. They want motorcyclists like you to speak up by using this form on the AMA website. You can also make a difference by contacting your senators and representatives.

Do you think speaking out will make a difference? Let the attorneys that ride know what you think and post you thoughts on our Twitter and Facebook walls. For more info on the motorcycling news that affects your lives, stick with the Metier Law Firm’s motorcycle blog.