Harley-Davidson tariffs to be cut after Trump’s return? Piyush Goyal responds

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that India may be open to Donald Trump’s longstanding request to lower tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, often considered a symbol of American manufacturing. The minister made this statement in response to a question on whether India would consider reducing tariffs following Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections.
Speaking at the Business Today’s Most Powerful Women 2024 event, Goyal expressed India’s openness to reconsidering the tariffs on the iconic motorcycles, highlighting that India does not currently produce such heavy bikes, creating little domestic competition.
“I would absolutely have no problem in considering a request of that sort,” Goyal said, acknowledging the US’s interest in increasing its trade with India.
While the government has long been cautious about reducing tariffs on various imported goods, Goyal highlighted that in the case of specific products like Harley-Davidson motorcycles, where there’s no domestic equivalent, such requests could be revisited.
Trump’s administration has consistently pushed for reducing trade barriers, especially on products that the US manufactures, and the high tariff on Harley-Davidson has been a point of contention in the past.
However, Goyal’s comments reflect India’s pragmatic approach to international trade—balancing domestic interests with the desire to maintain strong economic ties with its global partners, including the US.
Goyal believes that, even if tariffs were to increase on other goods, India would continue to thrive. He pointed out that India is seen as a reliable and trusted partner by the democratic world, citing four critical reasons—democracy, demand, demographic dividend, and decisive leadership.
These factors, he argued, make India an attractive investment and trading partner, regardless of any tariff-related challenges.
Goyal further noted that India’s relations with the US, particularly with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remain strong.
“I think in more ways than one, Donald Trump has made it clear that he likes India, wants to expand business with India, wants to do more trade with India and wants to work with his good friend, PM Modi,” Goyal said, highlighting the personal rapport that underpins the India-US relationship.
While Trump has occasionally criticised India’s high tariffs on certain goods, Piyush Goyal remains optimistic about the future of the bilateral relationship. “We have great times ahead in the India-US partnership.”