Buying a Golf Cart After the New U.S. Trade Ruling: Why Etto Is the Safe Choice
If you've been shopping for a golf cart lately, you've probably noticed two things: some eye-catching, too-good-to-be-true prices and headlines about a major U.S. trade case. Here's what you need to know—and how it affects your next purchase.
The Trade Ruling That's Reshaping the Market
On July 17, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued its final ruling on low-speed personal vehicles imported from China. The result? The Department of Commerce will impose significant antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on these products.
What does this mean for buyers? Imported models covered by these orders now face steep additional costs. Commerce's final determinations set dumping rates between 119% and 478% and subsidy rates of roughly 31% to 679%, depending on the producer and exporter. These aren't costs that most companies can simply absorb.
The ripple effects are already starting: expect market exits, dramatic price increases and disruptions to parts availability and warranty support from affected brands.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
Over the next few months, you may see "fire-sale" pricing as some importers rush to liquidate inventory. While these sticker prices might look attractive today, the real cost of ownership reveals itself later, when you need warranty support, a replacement controller, or body and trim components that only an established and maintained parts pipeline can supply.
Our prediction: Too many bargain carts will end up as expensive yard art.
As Etto's General Manager Paul Streaman puts it: "Our priority has always been pairing customers with established manufacturers that stand behind their vehicles, with reliable parts availability, trained service and long-term warranty support."
Why Etto Is Positioned to Protect Your Purchase
Longstanding Manufacturer Partnerships
We work exclusively with premium manufacturers with committed U.S. footprints and established service ecosystems. This means you won't be left hunting for parts or warranty coverage when the market shifts.
Supply Chains You Can Count On
From wear items like batteries, tires and brakes to electronics and body components, continuity matters. Our partners maintain established supply chains and comprehensive documentation, so repairs are measured in days, not months of backorders.
Warranties That Actually Work
A warranty is only as valuable as the company and dealer network behind it. Our service team helps you understand what's covered and handles claims directly—no need to call overseas support and hope for a response.
Local Service, Expert Technicians
Our Charleston shop services what we sell, and we service many other carts, too. When customers arrive with unsupported models, we provide honest feasibility assessments before they spend a dollar.
Your Smart Shopping Checklist
If you're comparing options, use this checklist to ensure your "deal" is genuinely a good value:
✓ Verify U.S. Support Infrastructure- Is there an active U.S. entity with technical documentation and parts distribution? Without this, expect difficulties after year one.
✓ Understand Warranty Coverage- Ask who honors the warranty and where. Get the process in writing. Third-party add-ons aren't substitutes for genuine manufacturer warranty infrastructure.
✓ Confirm Parts Availability- Request access to the parts catalog or a sample list for common repairs (controllers, hubs, steering, body panels). If they can't provide this, consider it a red flag.
✓ Calculate Total Cost of Ownership- Over five years, the value of parts, service and warranty support often far outweighs any initial discount.
✓ Test Drive and Inspect- Pay attention to fit and finish, wiring quality, brake performance and battery management systems—these details predict long-term reliability.
The Path Forward
The ITC's ruling and Commerce's AD/CVD orders are designed to level the playing field, and they will fundamentally change the golf cart market. Some brands will adapt and remain competitive, while others may raise prices significantly or exit entirely.
For buyers, the smartest strategy is choosing partners and products with the depth to support you years down the road. That's what we've built Etto around: stable manufacturer relationships, reliable warranty pathways and a service team you can actually visit when you need help.
"The best value comes from considering total cost of ownership—not just the initial price," says Streaman. "Our goal is to ensure your cart is easy to own in year five, not just exciting on day one."
Ready to Make a Smart Purchase?
Thinking about a golf cart? Visit our West Ashley or Mount Pleasant showrooms for a consultation with our team. We'll walk you through models that fit your intended use, budget and long-term service expectations.