If you want to understand tariffs and their risks, bicycle have a story to tell

With so much talk lately about tariffs, and so much misunderstanding of what they are and even what they are for, I thought I’d share this story about bicycle tariffs in Canada for some context. A quick note: In this video use the words “tariff,” “duty” and “import tax” interchangeably, even though, technically, they are different, even if they largely have similar goals and impacts.

#cyclingbike #tariffs #bikes

[BadByte]

( Bloomberg or wsj on tariffs) USA raised tariffs on washing machines and instead of USA made washing machines being cheaper they used the tariff to jack up their own prices, we as consumers just get screwed.

[ActiveTravelTT]

Trinidad and Tobago has 20% duty and 12.5% VAT on bicycles. These tariffs are waved for sport. If I'd like to get a good quality commuter bike, I'd have to pay the tariff. If I go to a sport bike shop or someone who has the right "connections" they'd import it with no tariff and pocket a profit for their trouble. Many countries are now seriously looking to encourage bicycles for transport, and giving rebates and other incentives, including incentives for ebikes! It's time to seriously support individuals who'd like to use bicycles for transport by building safe infrastructure and looking at our tariff structure! #MobilityIsEquity #TTMoves

[benharlow]

I really liked this video very informative! I would love to see you branch out any talk more about policy like this

[tomdonahoe]

Here, in your neighbor to the south 🇺🇸, we do essentially nothing very thoughtfully.

[SeanLumly]

I'm ashamed that Canada follows the US so closely..

Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure of the economic or societal implications (negative or positive) surrounding vehicle tariffs, and do not automatically buy what is talked about in the media, but it does seem asinine at first blush. But hey, if it makes cars more expensive, perhaps more people will turn to bicycles as a mode of transport which would be a net benefit.

Bkes are SO much cheaper, it's not funny. I bought a $1K ebike at the end of last year, and I'm still riding it, consuming perhaps a few $ worth of electricity and put almost 2000KM on it. I had to change an inner tube ($10) and I have to replace brake pads ($15), but it costs next to nothing to operate, even when compared to public transportation. And speaking of public transportation, I can go just as far in LESS time, due to no need for waiting for, or planning trips for most trips.

The worst part of riding? Cars. Go figure.

My next ebike will probably cost $5K, so I can ride without compromise. Even that's cheap, all considered.

[JeffreyWindsor]

Can I give you two thumbs up? Very nicely presented, no fluff. Five stars, would recommend.

[clacclackerson]

Doing anything thoughtfully nowadays seems to be getting rarer and rarer.

[michaeltsui]

Tariff should be used for political objectives. For example, if you want to reduce use of fossil fuels worldwide, you should tariff according to carbon emissions, urban density, or perhaps car trip ratio.

[MrCyclist]

Marinoni Cycles in Quebec, Canada sells their brands and offers rim brakes.

[chaoticsequencer]

Tariffs should have sunset clauses (ends if not renewed) and should be targeted to the market (or *close* substitutes) because the point is to protect the domestic manufacturer in the market, not to tax some generic product.

[Rake]

There is another Canadian Bike brand that is made in Canada, and its in Quebec as well. Bassi bikes out of Montreal. Check them out at CL Cycles in Montreal

[auto-moto]

Canada does whatever the US says to do - if the US says to jump, Canada asks how high

[Senthiuz]

Regan put tariffs on imported motorcycles 750cc and larger. In reponse Harley Davidson released the Fat Boy (named for the Fat Man and Little Man bombs) and the Japanese released some of the best 749cc motorcycles ever made.

[overlord]

Great info, interesting even for not american.

[OXI]

The e-bike story is far messier than this, though. If you have legislation classifying bikes above a certain power as mopeds (as in the EU), then enforce it at customs and slap a huge tarrif on more powerful motors or impound them, as they are now doing in Holland. Don't allow overseas companies to flood the country with illegal models that will lead to a backlash against ALL e-bikes.

[rileynicholson]

I guess Norco doesn't count as a mass producer of bike, but it's a Canadian company as far as I know.

[ConquerCollin]

Tariffs on imported cars added probably 50% to the price. The only reason GM and Ford are still in business is because of those backroom tariff deals they were able to lobby for

[waterbottle]

Manufactured in Canada with overseas manufactured parts...

[Superflow]

Implement Tarifs thoughtfully? How about - not at all. Let the market decide what the price should be.

[bugsygoo]

Does Canada make cars? If not, what's the point? Australia has I think 5 percent tariff on cars and therefore enjoys cheap Chinese electric cars. It has no car industry, so there is zero reason to make consumers pay more.