EU criminal offenses threaten European Harley-Davidson dealers
The latest developments in the transatlantic trade conflict have a high level of the potentially devastating effects of planned EU criminal offenses on Harley-Davidson and the European dealers' associated with the associated European dealers.
Background of the US criminal tariffs on steel and aluminum
US President Donald Trump has announced that they can raise tariffs from 25 percent to steel and aluminum imports from March 4, 2025, without exceptions to allied countries. The aim of this measure is to strengthen domestic industry and to ensure national security. Trump argues that the United States is more independent of foreign imports through these tariffs and can secure jobs in Germany.
Reaction of the European Union
The European Union has sharply reacted to the US tariffs and is planning countermeasures. In 2018, the EU had already introduced punitive tariffs to certain US products in response to former US tariffs, including motorcycles with more than 500 cubic centimeters of displacement, regarding brands like Harley-Davidson. These tariffs were later suspended, but could now be activated or even increased.
Fast activation of the EU criminal offenses-but at what price?
In the latest chancellor duel between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leader Friedrich Merz, there was an intensive discussion about the subject of punitive tariffs. Merz emphasized that in relation to punitive tariffs at eye level, the American president could be negotiated, while Scholz pointed out that the list of countermeasures had already been created and could be activated within an hour. Scholz also underlined that the American punitive tariffs would harm German industry in particular.
Harley-Davidson again focuses on-a strategic mistake?
However, the EU seems to be targeting Harley-Davidson again to overlook the importance of the company location in Europe. Harley-Davidson maintains numerous branches and employs many people within the EU. By imposing punitive tariffs to Harley-Davidson products, the EU could unintentionally affect its own economic interests and harm European companies and employees.
This situation illustrates the complexity of trade conflicts and the need for careful consideration of potential consequences before measures are taken that could possibly have negative effects on your own economy.
Effects on European Harley-Davidson dealers
The reintroduction or increase of punitive tariffs to Harley-Davidson motorcycles would have serious consequences for the European dealers. As early as 2021, the Association of Harley-Davidson dealer warned dealership of the existential effects of such tariffs. At that time, an increase in total customs load was 56 percent in the room, which would have massively affected the competitiveness of the dealers.
Why are there duties at all?
Customs traditionally serve to protect the domestic economy against foreign competition, the generation of state revenues and as an instrument of trade policy. However, they can also lead to trade conflicts if they are perceived as protectionist measures.
Why fellows on Harley-Davidson make no sense
1. Puncture tariffs meet European dealers and jobs
Harley-Davidson has over 280 dealers in Europe. These dealers are medium -sized companies with local jobs that would be directly affected by punitive tariffs. Higher import costs would make motorcycles more expensive, which leads to less sales. This endangers jobs in the European motorcycle industry, from the dealer to the mechanic.
2. Customers in Europe would be disadvantaged
Harley-Davidson has a loyal clientele in Europe that often saves for their dream bike for years. Penal dumplings would artificially make the motorcycles more expensive and make it difficult to buy. This not only leads to economic damage, but also limits the freedom of choice of consumers.
3. Puncture tariffs on Harley-Davidson do not solve the trade problem
With punitive tariffs on Harley-Davidson, the EU not achieve a sustainable solution in the trade conflict. Instead, it would make the negotiations difficult and possibly lead to another escalation. Harley-Davidson is a symbol of American motorcycles, but not a key industry that significantly influences the trading balance.
4. Harley-Davidson already produces partly outside the United States
After the last punitive tariffs, Harley-Davidson has already relocated parts of his production to countries such as Thailand to bypass import duties in Europe. Unfortunately, this was also communicated at the same time, which recently had a negative impact on the dismissal. Harley-Davidson had sued the EU criminal offenses, but the European Court of Justice dismissed the lawsuit. The court argued that the relocation of production primarily served to bypass the tariffs and was therefore not economically justified. In my view, new punitive tariffs could still be ineffective, since they would only meet US production for a limited extent and instead, in particular, European dealers, customers and suppliers would burden.
5. Effects on European suppliers
In addition to the contractual dealers, numerous European suppliers of Harley-Davidson are also affected. Companies from Germany, Italy and other EU countries provide components, accessories and special components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. A decline in sales volume due to higher import costs would also make these suppliers and thus endanger numerous other jobs.
The well-known European suppliers include the Italian brake specialist Brembo , which delivers specially developed brake systems for Harley-Davidson. In the area of electronics there is also indications that Bosch provides electronic components such as CDI units (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) and ECUS for Harley-Davidson models. Bosch also supplies ABS components , which are now standard on Harley Davidson models. This close connection with European suppliers shows that punitive tariffs not only make dealers and end customers, but also endanger the entire value chain in Europe.
6. European Harley-Davidson Community goes into resistance
This time the European Harley-Davidson Community will be rebelled against the planned EU criminal offenses. Especially with regard to the upcoming Bundestag elections, the opportunity must be used to jointly against blind activism, primarily from the CDU and SPD-EU parliamentarians.
7. Avoid escalation spiral
The United States could introduce tariffs from BMW, Ducati or KTM as a counter -reaction. This would only tighten the trade conflict and damage the entire motorcycle industry - including European manufacturers.

The wolf conclusion
Puncture tariffs on Harley-Davidson would not only be economically harmful to European dealers and customers, but also politically questionable. They do not solve structural trading problems, but above all meet European companies and jobs. European suppliers such as Brembo and Bosch, who deliver essential components for Harley-Davidson, are also particularly affected. A break -in of sales would affect their business and endanger numerous jobs.
Determined resistance of the Harley-Davidson community will come!
Trump only demands the same conditions in this trade conflict and points out that there is currently an imbalance in favor of the EU. Instead of reacting with other punitive tariffs that strain on its own economy, the EU should develop a considered strategy. the European Harley-Davidson Community will clearly position itself against these measures and increase the pressure on politics. The first preparations have already been made!
In view of these economic consequences, the legitimate question arises: Are our politicians competent to make such far -reaching decisions, or are it about blind actionism regardless of the real consequences?
If politics is unable to find clever and economically sensible solutions in the long term, then a new approach is urgently needed that protects European companies and jobs.
Text: Harleysite / Volker Wolf
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