LEVA-EU invites anti-dumping opinion from European eBike industry

This week has seen the prospect of further levies and taxes on international trade hit the spotlight, particularly with Donald Trump voted President Elect of the United States, himself a keen advocate of levies in the name of protecting the interests of US manufacturers. More specific to the cycling industry, LEVA-EU has launched a new survey for eBike manufacturers and assemblers across Europe to participate. The aim is, LEVA-EU said, to gather insights on the impact of European anti-dumping duties on bicycle components imported from China, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of how these tariffs affect the industry’s competitiveness, business operations and market growth.

The survey can be accessed here: LEVA-EU Dumping Survey.

Background on EU Anti-Dumping Duties

Anti-dumping duties on Chinese bicycle imports were introduced by the EU in 1993 and extended in 1997 to cover essential bicycle components, impacting both conventional and eBike assemblers. Now, as the European Commission reviews these measures, LEVA-EU is calling on industry stakeholders to share their perspectives on the challenges these duties impose, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the European eBike sector.

LEVA-EU said it has consistently highlighted that these duties impose additional costs and sourcing limitations for eBike manufacturers and assemblers, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The organisation advocates for a reassessment of these duties to support sustainable growth in the sector. You can read more about LEVA-EU’s position on this issue here.

Why now for the survey? LEVA-EU said that with Europe’s eBike market growing rapidly, anti-dumping duties on Chinese components have created challenges for many European manufacturers and assemblers. This survey aims to collect feedback on how these duties affect manufacturers and assemblers across various areas, including:

• Production Costs: Higher tariffs can increase component costs, affecting both profitability and pricing structures.
• Supply Chain Flexibility: Restrictions on affordable components from China may challenge assemblers, particularly those with fewer supplier options.
• Competitiveness in the EU Market: With increased competition, maintaining cost-effective and efficient production is critical for e-bike companies of all sizes.

Survey responses will help LEVA-EU gather data to better understand the needs of European manufacturers and assemblers. The findings will inform LEVA-EU’s ongoing policy discussions with the European Commission in relation to the review of these duties.

The survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete and covers topics including company size, sourcing practices, challenges related to anti-dumping duties, and perspectives on potential policy adjustments. The survey also includes questions on exemptions or end-use authorizations companies may use to reduce duty-related costs.

Key feedback areas include:

• The impact of duties on business operations
• Challenges with exemptions or authorizations
• Views on the benefits of modifying or removing these duties

To participate, e-bike manufacturers and assemblers can complete the survey here: LEVA-EU Dumping Survey.

Meanwhile the UK, and its TRA body, has recommended that levies imposed on China eBikes be removed – now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union.