Enthusiasts and truck aficionados in the USA were recently given a glimpse of the all-new Kia Tasman pickup, generating considerable buzz and anticipation. However, despite the growing excitement surrounding this robust and stylish truck, there’s a crucial piece of information that dampens the hopes of American buyers: the Kia Tasman is currently not slated for release in the United States. This begs the question many are asking: what would the Kia Tasman Price Usa be, and more importantly, why won’t this vehicle be hitting US dealerships anytime soon? The answer lies in a decades-old trade policy known as the “chicken tax.”
The infamous “chicken tax,” officially a 25% tariff on imported light trucks, has been a significant barrier for automakers looking to introduce foreign-built pickups into the American market since 1964. Originating from a trade dispute with Europe over poultry imports, this levy, imposed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, remains in effect today. For Kia, importing the Tasman from overseas would mean adding a hefty 25% to its price, rendering it significantly less competitive against established domestic rivals.
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Several automakers have explored strategies to circumvent this tariff, highlighting its considerable impact. Ford, for example, attempted to classify their Turkish-made Transit Connect as a passenger van by initially importing it with rear seats installed, only to later remove them. This maneuver, though initially clever, ultimately resulted in substantial penalties for Ford, totaling $365 million, serving as a stark reminder of the chicken tax’s enduring bite.
Kia’s manufacturing strategy in the U.S. further complicates the Tasman’s potential entry. Their sole American plant in West Point, Georgia, is already operating at full capacity, producing popular SUV models like the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride. This facility, even with a recent $200 million investment to accommodate production of the new EV9 SUV, is primarily focused on meeting the demand for these existing models. Currently running three shifts, 24 hours a day, the Georgia plant lacks the immediate capacity to take on production of a new truck like the Tasman.
Therefore, without a dedicated manufacturing base within the United States to bypass the chicken tax, importing the Kia Tasman would inevitably lead to a non-competitive “Kia Tasman price USA”. As it stands, Kia has announced that the Tasman is slated for a 2025 launch in markets including Africa, Australia, Korea, and the Middle East. For American truck enthusiasts eager to see the Tasman on local roads, navigating the complexities of the chicken tax and establishing US-based production remain significant hurdles to overcome.
