Tariffs on e-bikes and other bike stuff from China

[LhasaCM]

https://electrek.co/2018/08/20/electric-bicycle-companies-trump-tariffs/ is an interesting article on the impact the tariffs (and surrounding uncertainty about duration) is having on US e-bike companies.

[baiskeli]

The latest round of tariffs seem to cover most bike products from China with a 10 percent tariff until the end of the year, when they are scheduled to rise to 25 percent. Accessories like helmets and lights are excluded.

“The tariffs hit virtually all bike related items out of China, including complete bikes, frames, components, tires, wheels, inner tubes, auto racks and some other accessories. Additionally, the tariffs affect some non-bike specific items that the industry uses, including hand tools, nuts and bolts, and other machinery. “

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2018/09/17/trump-administration-approves-tariffs

[mstone]

@baiskeli 181102 wrote:

The latest round of tariffs seem to cover most bike products from China with a 10 percent tariff until the end of the year, when they are scheduled to rise to 25 percent. Accessories like helmets and lights are excluded.

Right, in those cases the tariffs would only affect the price of stuff made in the US with materials from overseas…

[hozn]

I found this cyclingtips podcast episode to have a good breakdown/explanation as it affects bicycles in general: https://cyclingtips.com/2018/09/cyclingtips-podcast-a-gravel-racers-pursuit-record-and-tariffs-on-bikes/

Ironically, as is mentioned in the podcast, this has the effect of encouraging US consumers to start buying direct from overseas — whether truly direct from Alibaba/eBay/etc. or places like the UK. Since tariffs are waived for items under $800. You’d be hard-pressed to spend more than $800 on anything from China — and if you did, the seller would likely lower the declared value anyway.

[baiskeli]

@hozn 181138 wrote:

I found this cyclingtips podcast episode to have a good breakdown/explanation as it affects bicycles in general: https://cyclingtips.com/2018/09/cyclingtips-podcast-a-gravel-racers-pursuit-record-and-tariffs-on-bikes/

Ironically, as is mentioned in the podcast, this has the effect of encouraging US consumers to start buying direct from overseas — whether truly direct from Alibaba/eBay/etc. or places like the UK. Since tariffs are waived for items under $800. You’d be hard-pressed to spend more than $800 on anything from China — and if you did, the seller would likely lower the declared value anyway.

Hmmm, interesting. Thanks.

[Author]

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