Thomson Bike Products hopes ongoing trade negotiations avoid impacting its global operations.
MACON, Ga. — A central Georgia manufacturing company says they hope trade negotiations as proposed tariffs will not impact their global business operations.
Brian Thomson and his son Garrett, owners of Thomson Bike Products, part of L.H. Thomson Company in south Bibb County, say they are concerned about how trade policies might affect their bottom line.
“I heard yesterday that Europe proposed having no tariffs on either country, so if that works out, that would be great for us,” Brian Thomson said. “But it’s too early to tell. We will just have to see how well the negotiations play out.”
The company, which exports bicycle components to over 33 countries, manufactures most of their products domestically but relies on Italian suppliers for handlebars and Taiwanese suppliers for steel tubing for bike frames.
“Things we import coming into the country, we have to pay a tariff on,” Brian Thomson said. “But we sell our products all over the world, and if our customers in other countries have to pay a high tariff, it will make it harder for them to buy our products.”
The bike manufacturing venture began 23 years ago when Thomson’s sister, who competed on her college mountain bike team, suggested they produce bike components in their existing factory. The company was already established in aerospace manufacturing, producing airplane parts.
While uncertain about the impact of potential tariffs, the Thomsons believe their focus on domestic sourcing gives them an advantage.
“We import Columbus tubing now and we get it made in Augusta, Georgia,” Garrett Thomson said. “All of our wheels are handmade in South Carolina, and all our components we put on the frames are actually made here.”
The company has expanded beyond basic bike components to produce complete bicycles, including gravel, track and mountain bikes. They also sponsor 100 riders worldwide, demonstrating their commitment to the cycling community.
L.H. Thomson represents one of many American manufacturers caught in the uncertainty of changing international trade policies. For businesses with both import and export operations, tariff adjustments can create complex challenges, affecting both supply costs and sales opportunities.
As international trade discussions continue, the Thomsons remain cautiously optimistic but are preparing for multiple scenarios, hoping their business will shift into high gear rather than be forced to downshift due to trade barriers.
For now, this central Georgia business continues production while watching global trade developments.
