Harley-Davidson said the duties mean an increased cost of $2,200 on each motorcycle heading into Europe, which is the company's largest market. Trump blasts Harley-Davidson’s decision to shift production overseas

President Donald Trump sharply criticized American motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson's decision today to shift some of its production overseas, a move the company said it is making in order to avoid the president's tariffs.

"Surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the White Flag," Trump wrote on Twitter.


The post came after the company earlier today said it will be shifting production to its international facilities of motorcycles that are headed to Europe in order to avoid paying a 25 percent tariff on its way into the European market. Brussels levied that penalty in response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Harley-Davidson said the duties mean an increased cost of $2,200 on each motorcycle heading into Europe, which is the company's largest market.

Trump noted in his post that he "fought hard for" Harley-Davidson and that "ultimately they will not pay tariffs selling into the E.U., which has hurt us badly on trade."

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But it was not immediately clear what he meant, given that Brussels did include motorcycles on its final list of products that were hit with retaliatory tariffs beginning Friday. A White House spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

"Taxes just a Harley excuse," Trump added. "be patient!