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Throughout the initial 100 days of his second term, President Trump, known for his passion for golf, has frequently been spotted on the golf course, often seen in a golf cart from domestic manufacturers like Club Car or E-Z-Go. While these carts may not compare to the presidential limousine known as “The Beast,” they serve as a favored means of transport for Trump and are impacted by the ongoing trade tensions.
Recently, the Trump administration announced plans to exempt certain automakers from tariffs if they produce vehicles in the U.S. This move aims to ease the pressures on manufacturers to boost domestic production. This decision aligns with a long-standing reality: many vehicles marketed as “Made In America” are far from entirely domestically sourced, with brands like Tesla approaching a maximum of 87.5% domestic content.
The golf cart industry serves as a compelling illustration of the complexities surrounding “Made in America” claims. While Club Car and E-Z-Go manufacture their carts within U.S. borders, they rely heavily on imported components from countries such as China, Taiwan, India, and several locations throughout Europe.
These companies, which combined captured over 37% of the golf cart market according to Global Market Insights, have been involved in a case with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding damage from alleged unfair trade practices by China. The ITC has already indicated sufficient evidence suggesting that Chinese imports may be harming the U.S. market for low-speed personal transportation vehicles. A final ruling, potentially imposing tariffs on Chinese-made golf carts, is expected to be announced on June 17.
Data from ImportGenius reveals that the United States imported $709 million worth of fully assembled golf carts in 2024, with a staggering 99% of that total, or $703 million, coming from China.
For companies like E-Z-Go, which is part of Textron, their golf cart production heavily relies on components sourced from overseas. Notably, engines are manufactured in Taiwan, while GPS tracking systems come from Malaysia. Additionally, critical parts such as seats, windshields, and batteries are all sourced from China.
Club Car, now under the ownership of Platinum Equity after being previously owned by Ingersoll-Rand, boasts a more varied supply chain. In addition to components from China, it imports parts from multiple countries, including chargers from Hong Kong, drive axles from Japan, and lithium-ion batteries from South Korea. Other parts come from nations such as Germany, Turkey, and India, showcasing a global network of suppliers.
Michael Kanko, co-founder and CEO of ImportGenius, emphasized the intricacies involved in U.S. manufacturers’ reliance on imports. He remarked, “While the increase in consumer goods prices due to tariffs is notable, it also illustrates the risks faced by American manufacturers. ‘Made in America’ does not guarantee exemption from tariffs.”
Neither Club Car nor E-Z-Go provided comments for this article.
According to projections by Global Market Insights, the golf cart market is anticipated to grow by 8% between 2025 and 2034, currently valued at approximately $2.6 billion. This upward trend is fueled by the increasing adoption of golf carts in residential areas, airports, hotels, resorts, and during professional golf events.
If the ITC case results in significant tariffs on Chinese-manufactured golf carts, domestic manufacturers could see a competitive advantage. However, broader tariffs might force companies in the golf cart sector to choose between raising consumer prices or sacrificing profit margins—a dilemma that many businesses across industries currently face.
Even the most “American” companies are bracing for considerable impacts from these tariff measures. First Solar, a leading player in the U.S. solar market, voiced concerns regarding Trump’s tariffs, stating they present “a significant economic challenge” for their facilities in India and Malaysia, both of which exclusively serve the U.S. market.
Golf carts exemplify the intricate nature of products assembled in the U.S. that depend on foreign components, noted Jason Miller, interim chairperson of the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University. He stated, “Many U.S. facilities rely on imported materials, especially in sectors like electrical components and textiles, often finding little to no domestic alternatives. In today’s interconnected supply chain landscape, it’s uncommon to find complex products created entirely from inputs sourced from a single country.”
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