Share

US backlash: Harley-Davidson to build factory in Thailand

Bangkok - Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle brand hailed by US President Donald Trump for keeping jobs in America, is building a factory in Thailand, the company confirmed on Thursday, as it seeks new buyers in Asia and lower tariffs.

The factory - only the third Harley has built outside the United States - highlights the irresistible draw of overseas plants for US manufacturers, particularly as the Trump administration castigates regional free-trade agreements.

Up and running in 2018

Harley-Davidson spokeswoman, Katie Whitmore, told AFP: "We are expanding our presence in the Asia-Pacific market by building an assembly facility in the Rayong Province in Thailand." 

She declined to say how much the plant was worth but said it would be up and running in "late 2018".

The move comes after American bike brands were dealt a blow by Trump's decision to pull out of the 12-country Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, which would have abolished tariffs on their products across 40 percent of the world's economy.

Trump argued TPP would hurt American industries and lead to job losses.

During his election campaign he frequently held up Wisconsin-based Harley as an example of an American manufacturer that kept jobs and production inside US borders and was harmed by such free-trade agreements.

But even Harley has found it hard to resist the lure of overseas assembly lines -- both to be geographically closer to emerging markets and circumvent high tariffs that favour local competitors.

It already has assembly plants in Brazil and India that put together bike kits made from parts from its US factories. The Thai plant will do the same.

Whitmore said high tariffs were only part of the reason Harley decided to build a plant in Thailand but she added: "Our growth is currently limited due to uncompetitive retail prices."

Thailand currently slaps around a 60% tariff on foreign motorbikes.

A plant in Thailand will also allow Harley to take advantage of tax breaks when exporting to nearby neighbours under trade agreements struck by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

It also reduces import distances to China, which is fast emerging as a major market for foreign bike brands.

'Slap in the face'

Harley's decision to open the Thai plant sparked an angry backlash among US union workers.

The United Steelworkers union said in a statement: "Management's decision to offshore production is a slap in the face to the American worker and to hundreds of thousands of Harley riders across the country." 

Harley has insisted the Thai plant will not result in American job losses, arguing instead it will enable them to grow their business using American-built parts.

Whitmore said: "There is no intent to reduce Harley-Davidson US manufacturing due to this expansion. Harley-Davidson US manufacturing will continue to supply the US and certain other global markets." 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE