Harley-Davidson has reported that they will be moving production abroad due to Trump tariffs. President Trump did not hesitate to hit Twitter.
Trump fired back via Twitter on Tuesday:
“Early this year, Harley-Davidson said they would move much of their plant operations in Kansas City to Thailand. That was long before Tariffs were announced. Hence, they were just using Tariffs/Trade Was as an excuse. Shows how unbalanced & unfair trade is, but we will fix it… We are getting other countries to reduce and eliminate tariffs and trade barriers that have been unfairly used for years against our farmers, workers, and companies. We are opening up closed markets and expanding our footprint. They must play fair or they will pay tariffs!”
Trump went on and said “A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never! Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end – they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!”.
In the past, the motorcycle company has marketed itself as a “made in America” organization. The theme of their most popular commercial in 2018 thus far plays off the word ‘freedom’. The slogan “All For Freedom, Freedom For All” is posted in bold letters at the end of the ad.
Trump’s tweet is essentially a threat to other American companies that may be considering moving production overseas like Harley. The ongoing trade war has forced Harley-Davidson into a lose-lose situation. If the company keeps production in the US, then the EU tariffs will increase the export costs of each bike by $2,000. And if they go abroad, Trump tariffs will tear them apart. The question on everyone’s mind is, what American companies are going to be forced through the gauntlet next?
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