A central Georgia-based bike manufacturer, Thomson Bike Products, a division of L.H. Thomson Company located in south Bibb County, is closely monitoring ongoing international trade discussions, hoping proposed tariff changes will not disrupt its global operations.
The company exports bicycle components to more than 33 countries. While the company manufactures the majority of its products in the United States, it relies on international suppliers—such as Italy for handlebars and Taiwan for steel tubing—raising concerns over the potential financial impact of shifting trade policies.
“I heard yesterday that Europe proposed having no tariffs on either country, so if that works out, that would be great for us,” said Brian Thomson, who co-owns the company with his son, Garrett. “But it’s too early to tell. We will just have to see how well the negotiations play out.”
With its roots in aerospace manufacturing, L.H. Thomson entered the bicycle component business 23 years ago. Since then, the company has grown its cycling footprint significantly, now producing complete gravel, track, and mountain bikes and sponsoring more than 100 riders globally.
Despite the uncertainty, the Thomsons believe their emphasis on domestic production offers a degree of resilience. “We import Columbus tubing now, and we get it made in Augusta, Georgia,” said Garrett Thomson. “All of our wheels are handmade in South Carolina, and all our components we put on the frames are actually made here.”
Still, potential tariffs on both imported materials and exported goods remain a source of concern. “Things we import coming into the country, we have to pay a tariff on,” Brian Thomson explained. “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.”
L.H. Thomson’s situation reflects a broader uncertainty faced by U.S. manufacturers operating within a global supply chain. As trade negotiations continue, companies like theirs are preparing for a range of outcomes that could shape their competitiveness abroad.
For now, the Thomsons continue production while keeping a watchful eye on global developments—hoping for favorable outcomes that allow their business to keep moving forward.
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