The Impact of New
US Tariffs on the
Golf Car Industry
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It is tough to turn on the news lately with-
out hearing something about the latest US
tariffs imposed by the Office of the Unites
States Trade Representative. On July 10, 2018,
a complete list of 5,745 affected products was
released. Following a six-day public hearing,
297 products were removed from that list
based on appeals from various interested
parties. The products that remain on the list
experienced a tariff increase of 10 percent
on September 24, 2018 and are scheduled to
receive an additional increase to 25 percent
following the first of the year. Golf cars are becoming more important to the every-
day life of tens of thousands of Americans every year.
Sadly, the tariffs may mean that middle class families
become priced out of golf car ownership and person-
alization. American brands such as Suite Seats, Strech
Plastics, All Sports Lift Kits, and Doubletake will
undoubtedly experience an uptick in sales; however,
there are countless golf car parts that are not manu-
factured in the United States. Customers who were
unwilling to pay more for US products in the past will
be forced to pay more for all products now.
Why are we talking about this? Golf car parts
are among the various products that are on
the 25 percent tariff list. Parts like lift kits, light
kits, brakes, seat kits, windshields, and wheels
and tires that are manufactured in China will
experience a 25 percent price hike when they
cross the US border. Over the past few weeks, golf car parts dealers have
received numerous emails from suppliers advising of
price increases. Increases ranging from 10 percent
to 25 percent have already gone into effect for most
golf car dealers. Additional price increases are slated
for after the new year. Those who work within the
golf car industry have two choices:
What Does This Mean for Golf Car Owners?
Within the next few months, golf car owners
will see prices rise for both the hard parts that
they need and also the custom accessories
they want. Dealers, like WHEELZ Custom Carts,
are doing their best to absorb some of the tar-
iff increases, but margins are already fairly low.
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By Julie Wilson, Owner
WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories
WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM
What Does This Mean for Golf Cart Dealers?
• Raise prices
• Promote US products
Most golf car dealers are implementing a combina-
tion of both. Those dealers who have not actively
partnered with American manufacturers before are
scrambling to form those relationships. Many suppli-
ers are engaged with the government seeking relief