European Bicycle Manufacturers Association applauds new EU disclosure on definitive trade defence measures against e-bikes from China

In 2017 the EBMA filed complaints with the European Commission, calling for urgent trade defence measures on e-bikes from China, and the registration of imports. In view of an alarming market reality, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation on 20 October 2017 of EU imports of Chinese e-bikes, followed by an anti-subsidy investigation initiated on 21 December 2017. Following stakeholder comments on today’s disclosure, the Commission will put forward a final proposal for discussion with EU Member States. Final definitive anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures must be announced by no later than 20 January 2019.

The European Commission’s investigation showed that prices of dumped imports from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) significantly undercut Union industry prices, and imports from the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) increased by 250% during the investigation period while European industry lost substantial market share.

Fioravanti said: “European e-bikes are the right green choice for European consumers. Even, the European Cyclists’ Federation representing consumers is against dumping because of its negative role in the development of electric bicycles, and as a consequence on the transition to a greener Europe. European trade unions, bicycle manufacturers, small businesses and cyclists have made clear to the European Commission that the EU must act to stop the dumping of Chinese e-bikes. The European Commission concluded that consumer choice is not all about cheap prices but rather driven by other factors such as variety, quality, innovation, and service which can only be achieved under normal market conditions with fair and open competition.”

Fioravanti concluded: “Today’s disclosure is the next critical step to stop China dumping e-bikes in the EU. Without EU action, China’s unfair trade practices would destroy the European e-bike industry and record investments of over 1 billion euros per year in the EU. The EBMA wholeheartedly supports the view shared by the European Commission and so many stakeholders that trade defence measures will contribute to the sustainable development of electric bicycles in Europe, and create wider benefits to society in terms of protection of the environment and improved mobility.”


Additional Information

The EBMA actions to ‘Stop China Dumping e-bikes’ are supported by the European Small Business Alliance (ESBA), AEGIS Europe representing 30 European industry sectors, and the European trade union IndustriAll which is the voice of 7 million workers across Europe.