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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TARRIFF's ON GOLF CART IMPORTS

Apr. 9 2025 Announcements By WDSAdmin

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Following a surge in Chinese golf cart imports and the emergence of various new brands and products within the U.S. market, the U.S. government began investigating potential trade violations in 2024.

Why Tariffs Were Imposed:

  • Dumping: Chinese manufacturers were selling golf carts below fair market value.
  • Subsidies: The Chinese government provided unfair advantages to manufacturers, violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

Tariffs:

  • Countervailing duties (November 2024): 22% to 515%
  • Antidumping duties (January 2025): 127% to 478%

These tariffs combined can exceed 600%, significantly impacting the pricing of golf carts. These measures target companies that have been found to sell goods at unfairly low prices or receive improper government subsidies, both of which violate World Trade Organization agreements and have a detrimental impact on the U.S. market and local industries.

Effects on Golf Cart Buyers:

  1. Price Increases: Chinese-made golf carts are becoming more expensive due to tariffs. This is likely to lead to higher prices for these affected brands or adjustments in product components, features, or the country of origin.
  2. Brand Exit: Smaller brands may leave the market or face limited parts and support. For those that remain, it could become increasingly difficult to obtain parts or fulfill warranty commitments.
  3. Parts & Accessories: Expect price hikes and delays for imported components and replacement parts.

Affected Brands:

In light of these changes, we can expect disruptions to trade values and market conditions.

Many Chinese manufacturers or brands that rely heavily on Chinese-made parts will be impacted, including:

  • Advanced EV
  • Aetric
  • Atlas
  • Breezy
  • Bintelli
  • Coleman
  • Denago
  • Epic Carts
  • Evolution Electric Vehicles
  • ICON 
  • Kandi
  • Kodiak
  • Massimo
  • Madjax
  • Sierra
  • Star EV
  • Tomberlin (select models)
  • Vivid EV

 What Buyers Can Do:

  • Stick with Trusted Brands: Brands like EZGO, Club Car, and Yamaha are less likely to be affected by tariffs and offer reliable service.
  • Buy from Local Dealerships: Local dealers provide service, parts, and warranty support.
  • Watch for Deals: Be cautious with deeply discounted carts, as they could be affected by the tariffs. Be Cautious With “Too Good to Be True” Prices. Deep discounts could signal a brand that’s:
    • Being phased out
    • No longer offering warranty support
    • Using hard-to-replace parts
  • Consider Used Carts: A well-maintained used cart can be a good alternative.

Long-Term Implications:

  • Higher prices, especially for entry-level models.
  • Increased demand for used carts.
  • Longer lead times for parts from affected brands.
  • Greater preference for American-made.

Conclusion:

The tariffs are reshaping the golf cart market, and as a buyer, it’s important to navigate these changes carefully. Relying on trusted brands, working with local dealerships, and considering used carts can help mitigate the effects of these tariffs.

Due to additional tariffs being implemented this week by President Trump, West Coast Golf Cars ais working hard to assist customers in making informed decisions.

Is there anything specific about the golf cart market you'd like to dive deeper into, or any questions on how these tariffs might impact you?

Please reach out. We are happy to help.

Tampa - 813-623-5874

Sun City Center - 813-634-6671