by Ed Spratt
Industry-wide action has helped to avoid the threat of 50% US tariffs on the steel and aluminum content of bikes, eBikes and frames.
Bicycle Retailer reports that following a proposal by kids bike brand Guardian Bikes and an aluminum trade group last year, the White House has announced its updated list of products under Section 232 steel and aluminium tariffs, which does not include bicycles. The same announcement saw the current US administration remove e-bikes, exercise bikes and e-bike parts from steel tariffs introduced in August last year.
After the initial proposal from Guardian Bikes and an aluminum trade group to include bikes, eBikes and frames under Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, over 1,300 comments were submitted by parties across the bicycle industry opposing the change. Industry groups and individuals also lobbied lawmakers and the US Department of Commerce directly to stop the change.
The PeopleForBikes Foundation, which strongly opposed the proposed 50% tariff on the steel and aluminum content of all bicycles, e-bikes, and frames, said, “Collective action sent a clear and powerful message about the real consequences these proposed tariffs would have on businesses, workers, and riders nationwide.”
In its statement on the Section 232 tariff decision, PeopleForBikes added that “this level of unified advocacy continues to be critical as we work together to protect the future of the bicycle industry.”
While the industry has avoided the complexity of Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs in the US for bikes, eBikes and frames, there will still be tariffs covering steel chains, chain parts, steel hardware, hand tools and bearings.
by Ed Spratt
