Why It Doesn’t Matter if a Harley Is ‘Made in America’

For consumers, other things matter more than where something is made

Harley-Davidson was one of President Trump’s favorite companies less than six months ago. Now it’s the latest business to feel his wrath.

That’s because on June 25, 2018, Harley-Davidson announced it will move some of its production overseas. The iconic American motorcycle brand said it was doing this to avoid retaliatory tariffs imposed by the European Union in response to U.S. import taxes.

“A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country—never!” Trump tweeted. “Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end.”

Back in February, things were very different. At a meeting with executives at the White House, Trump praised Harley-Davidson for being “a true American icon, one of the greats,” and thanked them “for building things in America.”

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Why it does matter... to me.

I have two Harley Davidsons. There is a lot of Americana that goes along with owning a Harley-Davidson. If you don't believe me, participate in any one of the rallys held by local HOG chapters. This isn't a motorcycle company... it's a family. Regarding two of the components you mentioned, shocks and brakes, you need to research a bit further. Some of the shock assemblies are made by American Showa (Ohio I believe) and some of the braking bracketry is stamped by a company in Wisconsin. Perhaps your data is model specific but it is like stating 'all oranges are grown in Florida'... simply not true. It would be nice to have a break down that informed you as to how much of the materials are American made... personally I wish it was more specific. Does it matter where things are made? It certainly matters to me.

I too own a Harley and if I

I too own a Harley and if I buy another one I know it was made in the US. However, there is nothing wrong with strategically placing manaufacturing in your customers back yard for economic reasons. It doesn't mean my next Harley will come from Europe. Let's think clearly here. I know what the president is doing and it makes sense to get to a level playing field. But that takes years of negotiations and by then the damage is done. Companies could go bankrupt. Many thousands of jobs lost. Companies are just being smart.

Made in America

It should matter to all Americans whether the products they buy are Made in America. We have lost 5 million manufacturing jobs to imports, measured at current levels of U.S. productivity. Bringing that work back will increase U.S. mfg. by 40%, which will be great to have during the next recession and as automation cuts into existing employment over teh next decades.