ACEM calls for urgent action

ACEM Calls for Urgent Action

The situation has become extremely serious for European motorcycle manufacturers represented by ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. There is no more time for delays – concrete and effective measures must be taken, as the already challenging market conditions are now compounded by the United States’ announcement of new protectionist tariffs on motorcycles imported from the European Union.

ACEM has issued a statement to the European Commission in Brussels, a letter that was also received by the Serbian Association of Importers of New Vehicles and Parts, which we share in full below:

"The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) expresses serious concern that the EU–US Framework Agreement of 21 August fails to adequately address the trade challenges faced by European manufacturers.

While acknowledging the diplomatic efforts on both sides of the Atlantic, the limited scope of the agreement leaves the European motorcycle industry subject to a new general tariff of 15% on products exported to the United States. Moreover, European motorcycles, parts, and accessories are now subject to additional tariffs of 50% on steel content.

This unbalanced framework creates an economically unsustainable situation for European manufacturers, as steel is a fundamental component in the construction of motorcycles. The persistence of punitive tariffs undermines the competitiveness of ACEM member companies and threatens jobs supported across Europe and the US. The current arrangement effectively introduces discriminatory treatment that undermines decades of successful transatlantic business relations.

Although the Agreement points to ‘future discussions on tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for steel, aluminum, and derivative products,’ ACEM stresses that these discussions must go beyond vague commitments and be translated into concrete timelines and measurable outcomes. The industry cannot withstand prolonged uncertainty while facing fundamental competitive disadvantages. European manufacturers urgently need clarity on when comprehensive relief will be delivered. Moving forward, ACEM will continue its regular engagement with European institutions to provide technical expertise and industry perspective for the ongoing negotiations,"* the ACEM statement reads.

That frustration within ACEM ranks is not being concealed was confirmed by Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM:

"While we acknowledge the Commission’s efforts, this Framework Agreement, in its current form, represents a profoundly inadequate response to the challenges faced by the European industry. In addition to the 15% general tariff, 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, one that restores fair competition and mutual market access." – stated Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General.

Source: ACEM
Photo: ACEM logo