Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been pulled into Donald Trump’s trade war, and the Wisconsin company is responding … by shifting some production out of the U.S. The company announced that move in response to the European Union tariffs on motorcycles imposed in retaliation for Trump’s tariffs on the EU:
“Harley-Davidson maintains a strong commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing which is valued by riders globally,” the company said in prepared remarks. “Increasing international production to alleviate the EU tariff burden is not the company’s preference, but represents the only sustainable option to make its motorcycles accessible to customers in the EU and maintain a viable business in Europe. Europe is a critical market for Harley-Davidson.”
This announcement comes months after an announcement that Harley-Davidson would consolidate two U.S. plants due to falling motorcycle sales. And it comes at the same time as a Missouri nail company said it had laid off 60 temporary workers due to Trump’s tariffs, with more jobs on the line.