Donald Trump’s statements regarding tariffs and their impact on businesses in India have been disputed, particularly concerning Harley-Davidson. Trump incorrectly stated that high tariffs forced the motorcycle manufacturer to withdraw from the Indian market. In reality, Harley-Davidson’s exit was a result of other factors.
Harley-Davidson began its Indian operations in 2009 and expanded its presence with dealerships and local assembly. Yet, by 2020, the company withdrew entirely from sales in India. The primary cause was not tariffs, but instead declining sales, a challenging market, and strategic decisions by the company. The economic viability in India was not sustainable.