U.S. Bicycle Imports Increase 36% In July

The latest data from the US Department of Commerce shows that compared with the same month in 2019, bicycle imports in July alone increased by 35.6% to 1.9 million bicycles, an increase of 26.6% in US dollars to reach 151 million US dollars.

But as of July this year, imports increased by 9.6% year-on-year, and fell by 4.3% in US dollars, which shows that, on average, imports of low-cost bicycles have increased.

The United States imports the vast majority of bicycles, including bicycles sold through all retail channels. Most of these units (especially the very low-priced children’s bicycles) will enter department stores, while the higher-priced bicycles will enter IBD, and consumers will directly Purchase, and retail channels for sporting goods.

As of July 2020, the average bicycle import value so far this year is US$87, down from US$100 in the same period in 2019. So far this year, the country has imported 7.9 million bicycles, compared with 7.2 million last year. This year's dollar value is 692.6 million US dollars, compared with 723.2 million US dollars last year.

At the beginning of the second quarter of this year, due to delays in the response of Asian factories to the local pandemic, imports fell. As the virus spreads to the coast of the United States, they hope to have a negative impact on consumer demand for bicycles, so the industry has also reduced orders. Unexpectedly, consumer demand for bicycles surged in late March and early April, and suppliers responded by ordering more bicycles, which may take three months to arrive from Asia. Data from the US Department of Commerce show that starting from June, monthly imports have increased significantly.

Industry sources predict that this surge will continue for months or more as the industry attempts to rebuild inventories at the retail and wholesale levels. However, many suppliers have found that the shortage of key parts in Asia (from saddles to low-priced derailleurs and pedals) is slowing bicycle production. Many retailers stated that they continue to lose sales due to a lack of bicycles, parts and accessories.