The Changing Pattern of Golf Car Imports and other Consequences of USITC and Department of Commerce Penalties

The imposition of anti-dumping penalties and countervailing duties on Chinese golf cart unites and partial assemblies thereof by the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, have had their intended impact:

• The dramatic run-up in imports during 2023 and 2924 in anticipation of thee above penalties and new overall tariffs on Chinese imports of all goods has been just as dramatically reversed;

• Imports from China have declined even from pre-COVID levels;

• The AD penalties and CV duties have also resulted in a changed pattern of imports, with Vietnam now surpassing China as the principal source of imports. (See data and chart to the left.)

Consequences of the import to run-up in 2024

The run-up of Chinese imports in 2024 in anticipation of the penalties scheduled for the beginning of 2025.has had two predictable consequiebnce3s: First, an overstocking of inventories of 2024 and 2025 models; and second, following from the first, systemic price cutting to bring supply and demand into balance.

Dealers respond to tariffs and penalties

Here are the reactions from two prominent golf car dealers in South Florida and the Lake Livingston region in Texas upon the finalization Of ITC and Department of Commerce affirming their preliminary findings of unfair trade:

• Sunshine Golf Cars, Delray Beach and Stuart, FL, an E-Z-GO dealer: “The preliminary ruling from the U.S. government [now a final ruling]is a major turning point. As a result, many of these Chinese imports will become significantly more expensive to bring into the U.S. market. This is likely to lead to higher prices for these affected brands or adjustments in product components, features, or the country of origin. Some brands might even withdraw from the market or cease operations entirely”

• Lake Livingston Golf Cars Onalaska, TX, carrying the three major U.S. brands: “How the Tariffs Affect You as a Golf Cart Buyer? These tariffs don’t just hit importers — they will directly affect consumers in several ways.

“1. Chinese-Made Golf Carts Will Get More Expensive Many affordable Chinese carts are seeing price hikes as sellers adjust to cover costs or exit the market altogether.”

“2. Some Brands May Disappear. Smaller brands that relied on low pricing may exit the U.S. market. Even if they remain, parts and support could become scarce.”

“3. Parts & Accessories Are Also Impacted.”

Advice to consumers from both dealers? Stick with the established U.S. brands, E-Z-GO, Club Car, and Yamaha.

Excess inventory issues

It should be noted that 2025 inventory levels and those for 2026 can be estimated on an overall basis by comparing “normal” import levels with current levels, based on the import run-up of 2024. A detailed analysis of the inventory sell-off and its impact on the market appears in a major report from Small Vehicle Resource (SVR) LLC. (Contact the author at smetzger@smallrehicleresource.com)

The inventory overhang is very likely to plague the market with lower prices and skimpier margins at retail. Because the run-up of imports was so great during the latter half of 2024, the impact of excess inventories will have a major impact on the market for at least a year of two, and perhaps longer.

New brands may be on the horizon

We are likely to see a continued reshuffling of supply chain away from China to other countries. Brands such as Whisper EV and Shining are in the market. Further, Star EV has introduced and registered a new brand, named LEO EV, which may signal a new supply source. Overall, there will be juggling of supply chain dynamics in an attempt to overcome the ITC/Department of Commerce penalties. In addition, we may see a movement of Chinese manufacturers to the U.S., a topic we now address.

Movement of Chinese golf car manufacturers to the U.S.?

The following was posted on the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (part of the EU-China Business Association) in late 2025:

“The U.S.’ strategy of ramping up tariffs on made-in-China electric vehicles to push manufacturers to shift production to the U.S. appears to be paying off – in the world of golf carts, at least… According to the manager of one leading manufacturer headquartered in Zhejiang province, some Chinese producers will have no choice but to offshore production to survive the tariff hike. ‘Basically, we have to move our production lines overseas, otherwise we won’t be able to do business in the United States,’ said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity “

In reviewing the list of exhibitors are the 2026 PGA Show, you cannot help but notice the number of Chinese manufacturing companies that have booths. (This article is written just prior to the Show.) We will stop by these booths and try to get an idea of the possibility of moving to the U.S. with manufacturing facilities. Stay tuned for news in subsequent articles.

 

________

Contact the Author: Steve Metzger at smetzger@smallvehicleresource.com.  Or check out our website at www.smallvehicleresource.com, where you will find an extensive database of vehicle models and can make side-by-side comparisons of vehicles based on a full set of specifications.