More U.S. Manufacturers Suffer Blow From Tariffs

President Donald Trump and his son Eric

The U.S. golf cart industry, led by Club Car and E-Z-Go, assembles vehicles in the country but relies on imports from countries like China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Recent figures show that the U.S. imported $709 million worth of golf cart parts, with 99% coming from China. This reliance poses challenges as the companies face a case before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) concerning harm from Chinese imports.

In this photo gallery, we examine the impact.

Trump at University of Alabama

Tariff exemptions given to U.S. automotive manufacturers do not apply to the golf cart sector. Club Car and E-Z-Go are affected by President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, which impacts their supply chains.

The County Club of Jackson

ImportGenius co-founder and CEO Michael Kanko said, "These golf carts illustrate the complexity of our reliance on Chinese imports."

Golf carts are lined up with American Flags

Kanko added, "The price increases on consumer goods from tariffs is one thing, but this highlights how American manufacturers are also at risk. 'Made in America' doesn't mean 'Exempt in America.'"

Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif.

Critical components like engines, GPS systems, and electrical parts come from abroad, making them vulnerable to price increases and supply disruptions.

Joyride in Knoxville

Analysts project the golf cart market will grow by 8% annually until 2034, potentially reaching $2.6 billion. If tariffs are implemented, the companies now face a choice between raising prices or reducing profit margins.

A golf cart used shuttle race fans to Churchill Downs

Both Club Car and E-Z-Go have faced scrutiny as they navigate global supply chain challenges. The reliance on foreign components has complicated claims of “Made in America."

Michigan State University's Wonders Hall

Michigan State University Professor Jason Miller said, "Many U.S. plants rely on inputs sourced from China, especially electrical components, fabricated metals, and textiles, often with few (if any) domestic alternatives available."

Michigan State University’s Child Development Lab

Miller added, "In an era of global supply chains, it is difficult to find complex goods that are entirely produced from inputs that themselves come from one country."

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.