Bike maker takes steps to avert an unexpected million-dollar tariff charge

April 4, 2025

Taiwan-based Tern Bicycles’ U.S. office will be on the hook for about $1 million in unexpected tariff fees if shipments that are currently in transit don’t clear customs before next Wednesday.

Even though Tern is taking steps to avoid the charges, their size reveals the scale and potential industry impact of the new tariffs. Tern sells expensive e-cargo bikes, but is still a medium-sized brand in this industry. Larger brands that also import from Asia face proportionately larger unplanned-for tariff payments after Wednesday.

The company will likely avoid the new fees by expediting a container that is currently in port in California by truck to the brand’s California warehouse. BRAIN