It may not get headlines, but the Motorcycle Industry Council has been working harder than ever to protect the powersports industry’s interests. Last Thursday wrapped up another busy month for the MIC's Government Relations Office, with a final call for letters to the United States Trade Representative to help ensure that prices don't go up on many popular helmets that are manufactured in China. Out of 227 total comments submitted on all products, some 12% were about the helmets.
"This is a really outstanding result and we thank all of those who took the time to work with us and write in," said Scott Schloegel, SVP of the MIC Government Relations Office. "Your voices make a difference and the GRO submitted twenty-two comments on behalf of firms across the industry. Plus, fifteen of those were new contacts for the GRO who have not participated in our advocacy efforts in recent times," he added. "We were excited to see new people engaged."
The MIC GRO has been engaged with several major issues, which came to a “head” with the USTR Helmet Tariff effort. They also help get the USTR to see the light on another tariff as well as other initiatives, including:
Tariff Exclusion Extension Granted – The USTR granted a China List 2 extension through December 31, 2020. The extension includes motorcycles and mopeds, with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc, valued not over $500 each.
European Union Tariff Proposal Opposition – More than 100 MIC members and many dealerships submitted comments to the USTR opposing the proposed tariffs of up to 100 percent on EU parts, accessories, and motorcycles with displacements between 500 and 700cc.
MIC Rider Action Fund Political Action Committee – MIC members who have made substantial contributions to the MIC PAC participated in a videoconference discussion with Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, who is the co-chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Boating Caucus. He is also a member of the Senate committee that will be writing the new transportation reauthorization bill.
