Senior Vice President of Government Relations Scott Schloegel hand-delivered a letter Tuesday to Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt and Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler. The letter, sent on behalf of the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, highlights the outsized impact the 50% Section 232 steel and aluminum derivative tariffs will have on the powersports industry – particularly for smaller and family-owned businesses.
“We want to work with the administration on solutions that protect both American jobs and our industry’s future,” Schloegel said. “Without relief, these tariffs could mean layoffs, closures, and lost opportunities across the country.”
Many of these companies will not be able to absorb the price increases, potentially leading to layoffs and business closures. While the Associations stand ready to work with the Trump administration to achieve the shared goal of a stronger U.S. economy, the letter – which was also sent to the White House and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick – seeks relief from some of the devastating effects the tariffs will have on the industry and the communities and consumers it serves.
Powersports is the third largest segment of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy in the United States according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, notes Schloegel. “MIC, SVIA, and ROHVA represent several hundred companies including OEMs, aftermarket suppliers and dealerships. We are a nearly $51 billion industry manufacturing, distributing, and selling on- and off-highway vehicles, parts, and accessories across all 50 states.”
Read the full letter here:
