Motorcycle industry calls for urgent action as prohibitive US tariffs on European motorcycles are introduced.
Brussels (Belgium) | 27 August 2025
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) expresses serious concern that the EU-US Framework Agreement of 21 August falls significantly short of addressing the trade challenges facing European manufacturers.
While acknowledging diplomatic efforts on both sides of the Atlantic, the agreement’s partial scope leaves the European motorcycle industry facing the new general 15% tariff on products exported to the United States. Furthermore, European motorcycles, parts, and accessories are now also subject to 50% tariffs on their steel content.
This unbalanced framework creates an economically unsustainable situation for European manufacturers, as steel represents a fundamental component in motorcycle construction. The persistence of punitive tariffs threatens the competitiveness of ACEM’s member companies and jeopardises jobs they support throughout Europe and in the US. The current arrangement effectively introduces discriminatory treatment that undermines decades of successful transatlantic business relationships.
While the Agreement indicates future discussions on Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQ) for steel, aluminium, and derivative products, ACEM stresses that these discussions must move beyond vague commitments to concrete timelines and measurable outcomes. The industry cannot sustain prolonged uncertainty while fundamental competitive disadvantages persist. European manufacturers require immediate clarity on when comprehensive relief will be achieved. Looking forward, ACEM will continue its regular engagement with European institutions to provide technical expertise and industry perspective for ongoing negotiations.
Quote:
Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM, said:
“While we acknowledge the Commission’s efforts, this Framework Agreement, as it stands, represents a deeply inadequate response to the challenges facing European industry. On top of the 15% tariff for general products, the newly introduced 50% tariffs on steel content render much of the agreement’s benefits meaningless for motorcycle manufacturers. We cannot accept a situation where European companies remain at a severe competitive disadvantage due to incomplete negotiations. The European motorcycle industry calls for a balanced negotiated solution for transatlantic trade, that restores fair competition and mutual market access.”
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).
Media Contact
ACEM Communications
Related media: © Copyright European Union – 2025
