Portugal’s bike manufacturing hotspot sees sales value up 49%

Portugal’s cycling industry body ABIMOTA has written an update detailing a stunning start to 2022 manufacturing and export output, reporting a sales value uptick of 49% in the first two months of 2022.

One of Europe’s hotspots for bike business manufacturing, the Portugal Bike Value achieved an export sales value of €110 million over the period, continuing a trend that in 2021 saw a record annual total for the manufacturing hub; some €594 million in value was generated. Last year January and February were worth €73.78 million to the region’s producers.

“These are frankly positive numbers and we are very optimistic. We predicted that this year we could have a slowdown (in growth), because in 2021 we grew something like 39%. However, the figures for the first two months of this year seem to reinforce that growth is a reality and, if this trend continues, we will continue to rise and, above all, grow again (the) percentage compared to the previous year,” commented Gil Nadais, Secretary General of ABIMOTA.

“Yes, the pandemic, the scarcity and the consequent rise in fuel prices explain the acceleration we feel. I think these were the catalysts. However, the numbers we are reaching only happen because in Portugal, since the last decade, work and integrated investments are done throughout the sector. That way, when the crises happened, we were already prepared to respond positively,” added Nadais.

The results reflect steady progress throughout Europe in the past 12 months. So far this year both the Spanish and Austrian market have posted record-breaking figures on cycling sales.

Alongside, there is a steady trend of bringing production closer to home among many brands seeking to exercise greater control over supply chains. This week Hero Cycles revealed a new Manchester based assembly line, upon which it invites third-party brands to have their products put together. CyclingIndustry.news’ next podcast will explore the subject of reshoring in greater detail, so stay tuned for fresh episodes.