From its headquarters in Boise, Idaho, Rekluse Motor Sports is at the forefront of the motorcycle industry in clutch performance technology and innovation. The Rekluse auto-clutch has revolutionized motorcycle riding and caters to riders of all levels. Its products are developed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States but are recognized around the world with accolades and — most importantly — with sales.
Since its foundation in 2002, Rekluse has looked overseas to expand its base of customers. Today, Rekluse sells 30% of its production internationally through 18 distributors in over 40 countries. Rekluse Export Manager Alison Kelsey says, “Demand for our products tends to be seasonal; however, since different parts of the world experience seasons at different times, exports allow us to stay busy and retain our employees year-round.”
Rekluse currently employs 55 workers, and as the company expands its customer base internationally it also plans to see expansion in its sales and marketing divisions. These jobs are heavily dependent on Rekluse’s export sales, and while Rekluse is optimistic about the opportunity international markets provide, it has also encountered significant barriers to trade. Alison Kelsey explains: “It is always difficult to understand the many different sets of standards and tariffs different countries have – particularly in Europe and Latin America, which include some of our strongest markets.”
Kelsey points out that trade agreements, like the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), help to remove these barriers and provide greater protection in many areas. “We [at Rekluse] have in-house research and development, so we would welcome the greater protection of intellectual property provided by trade agreements – as well as common product standards between countries and recognized patent registration,” says Kelsey. “In addition, any reduction in the costs to import our product that can be passed on to the end-consumer makes us that much more competitive.”
However, in order to successfully finalize these trade agreements, Congress needs to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) so that companies such as Rekluse can tap these international opportunities. “If Rekluse and other companies are to benefit from the global market as a source for growth and jobs in the United States, then we need TPA because opens the door to new trade pacts,” comments Kelsey.
Support TPA renewal at www.uschamber.com/tpa.
