Where's the Beef !?!?!

Federal Government Proposes 100% Tariff On European Motorcycles Under 500cc. U.S.T.R. Looks To Impose Huge Tax In Retaliation For Euro Refusal To Lift Imported American Beef Ban

In a move typical of current short-sighted federal government thinking, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative-the federal agency responsible for developing and recommending U.S. trade policy to the President-has proposed imposing a 100 percent tariff on all European motorcycles and scooters under 500cc engine displacement as part of a retaliation for the European Union's ongoing import ban on American beef from cattle that have been treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted the 20-year-old ban despite a World Trade organization order to end it, so the U.S. wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S beef industry loses each year because of the ban.

U.S. trade officials are looking at a list of more than 100 European goods for the possible imposition of 100 percent import duties. Included on the hit list are motorcycles and scooters with engines displacing 51cc to 500cc, representing popular on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.