Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the most current information available at the time of release (April 7, 2025). It is possible that future actions by specific countries may result in the reduction — or increase — of these tariffs. The information provided in this FAQ is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. PeopleForBikes advises importers to consult their customs broker or trade counsel for specific advice.

OVERVIEW

Q: What are the current tariffs for specific bike products and do you expect these to change?

The base tariff paid for a specific product depends upon its country of origin (where the product is made) and tariff rate for that product as determined by its classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Additional tariffs can then be placed on imports under various provisions of U.S. law for different reasons. For example, starting in 2018, a series of tariffs were imposed on products imported from China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. There have also been tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from various countries under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 since 2018. Recently, the administration increased these tariffs and imposed new tariff measures in addition to all previous tariffs. PeopleForBikes expects these tariffs to change frequently in the near term based on the administration's actions and stated intentions.

Q: What resources or guidance are you offering to ensure companies are making informed decisions about tariff impacts?

PeopleForBikes periodically publishes a Tariff Guide available to Coalition members in our Member Center. We also send member communications about major tariff changes and most recently issued updates in response to trade and tariff actions by the Trump administration. Importers are required by law to make informed decisions in how they classify and value their products, and the vast array of supply chains and product mixes in our industry, as well as the confidentiality required about those suppliers and products, makes it impossible for PeopleForBikes to provide more specific advice. We advise importers to consult their customs broker or trade counsel for specific advice.

Q. How will the new tariffs affect prices for bikes and e-bikes and when consumers can expect to see higher prices?

PeopleForBikes cannot comment on specific price impacts. Under economic realities, dramatic increases in landed costs will put upward pressure on retail prices.

RECIPROCAL TARIFFS

Q: When do the reciprocal tariffs come into effect for goods in transit?

If goods are "loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in the final mode of transit" prior to the effective time of a specific tariff, they will not be subject to that tariff. 

Q. Is the ocean vessel the “final mode of transit”? If goods move from a port of entry to final destination via rail, is that the final mode?

“Final mode” refers to the last mode of transport before a product reaches a U.S. port of entry where duty is collected. Typically that is a seaport. If a container physically enters the country at a seaport and is loaded onto a rail car and entry is made elsewhere, it may not qualify for the exception.

Q. How do Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum relate to the new reciprocal tariffs?

With respect to products subject to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (like bicycle chains), there is an exclusion from the new tariffs in the executive order. Please consult with your broker to determine whether your product qualifies for this exclusion.

Q. Is there a potential for exemptions from these tariffs at this time?

The administration indicated there will be "no exemptions," however the Secretary of Commerce has discretion to adjust these tariff rates (either up or down) going forward.

Q. What will the tariff be if a bicycle is assembled in Taiwan but the frames are produced in Vietnam? 

For purposes of U.S. imports, the country in which a bicycle or e-bike frame is made determines the country of origin of the completed product and applicable tariffs.

DE MINIMIS

Q. Is the $800 de minimis value still in effect for all countries that are not China?

The new policy applies to PRODUCTS from China, not just shipments originating in China. This means a Chinese-origin product shipped from Canada would not qualify for de minimis treatment and duty/fees would be assessed. De minimis is still in effect for low-dollar-value shipments of goods with origin in other countries until the Secretary of Commerce determines that these shipments can be processed for collection of duties or fees.

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING

Q: What are you hearing from your members about the impact of the tariffs, particularly on materials like steel and aluminum?

The primary impact of the steel and aluminum tariffs has been on domestic manufacturers who use those materials as inputs for their products. When tariffs are placed on imported steel and aluminum, domestic producers raise their prices to just below the cost of imported metals. This makes a domestically produced product like a headset more expensive to make and less competitive with a foreign-made product, especially one that enters the country direct-to-consumer under the de minimis loophole, because no duties or taxes are placed on that product. Additionally, a few bicycle components like chains are subject to the new 25% Section 232 tariff on steel products.

Q: Do you foresee changes in manufacturing practices, product pricing, or industry collaboration as a result of these tariffs?

A stated purpose of the new tariffs is to encourage U.S. manufacturing, so it is possible more of that will happen in our industry and some companies will start or increase domestic manufacturing or assembly operations. However, there are still a lot of hurdles to domestic manufacturing if tariffs on inputs are high, interest rates remain high and capital costs more, and U.S. labor is expensive and in short supply. These barriers were addressed in legislation last year, H.R. 8625 (the Domestic Bicycle Production Act), which unfortunately did not advance. Re-building assembly and component manufacturing domestically is a big undertaking and would take government support to accomplish at any sort of realistic scale. On a positive note, PeopleForBikes currently has a group of members talking about how to make that happen, and it’s encouraging to work in an industry where companies can set competitive instincts aside and work together for the good of all.

ACTION STEPS 

Q. How can bicycle industry members best engage with Congress about these tariffs? 

PeopleForBikes created a template letter for industry members to send their representatives in Congress asking for tariff relief, sharing how these new tariffs are affecting your business, and supporting the retroactive authorization of GSP as well as congressional action on the removal of the de minimis threshold on all countries. Sharing data on the direct effects of tariffs on your company is extremely valuable.

PeopleForBikes is continuously engaging with members of Congress on our Trade Policy objectives.  We recently hosted an industry fly-in where executives from member companies met with congressional staff to make our concerns known and request action. Trade and tariffs were a major topic of discussion at our recent Bicycle Leadership Conference. We have also recently beefed up our staff in Washington, D.C., and will continue to use every opportunity to seek relief from the current tariff environment.