BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) —PeopleForBikes is preparing a letter to President Trump asking for tariff relief on behalf of its 340 U.S. coalition members of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
Signed by 33 members and addressed to President Donald Trump, PeopleForBikes requests reinstating the tariff exclusion process for bikes, components, apparel, helmets, and related accessories.
"The current tariffs on complete bicycles and components used for assembly, imported from countries around the globe, will have devastating impacts on our industry if not adjusted in the near term," the letter reads in part. "We are hearing concerns around additional layoffs and the risk of more companies closing their operations, including some of our few remaining domestic manufacturers."
Furthermore, the letter expresses pressures faced by small- and mid-sized bike companies, especially ones assembling in the U.S., who rely on imported components and are now contending with higher steel and aluminum prices. Concerns also were addressed about tariffs on helmets, calling them counterproductive for consumer safety and warned that apparel brands without viable domestic textile options are being pushed toward insolvency.
"We appreciate your focus on China's competitive threat and are especially thankful for your leadership in closing the de minimis loophole," the letter states. "To protect this quintessentially American industry, we need tariff relief for bicycles, bicycle components, apparel, and related accessories to help safeguard this important business sector."
"The bicycle industry has enriched American lives for more than a century," said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice in a statement announcing the letter. "We urge the administration to give our businesses the runway they need to compete globally, invest domestically, and keep biking safe, affordable, and accessible for everyone."
PeopleForBikes asks If any brand is interested in signing on in support of the letter to email the group's Vice President of Government Relations, Dr. Ash Lovell.
