Berlin October 2026 | New position paper on China as a systemic competitor: commitment to open trade with the consistent enforcement of trade rules
Today, the ZIV published its position paper entitled «China as a systemic competitor in the bicycle industry». With around 70–80 million bicycles and e-bikes produced every year, China is the world's largest bicycle manufacturer. By contrast, Germany produces around 2 million, according to the ZIV market data. At the same time, European manufacturers are heavily reliant on Chinese suppliers, particularly for bike frames and components. Germany's bicycle industry is facing mounting pressure from Chinese imports, which began in the components segment and has increasingly spread to complete bicycles and e-bikes.
This imbalance is the result of a long-term industrial policy: Chinese companies benefit from preferential financing, tax benefits and subsidies. According to the European Commission, key components such as motors and batteries are sometimes even supplied at prices that do not reflect the market conditions. In its 14th Five-Year Plan, the declared aim of the China Bicycle Association, which has close ties to the Chinese state government, is for the country's bicycle/e-bike industry to «become the predominant power in the international market» by 2035.
«It is time to put naivety aside,» says ZIV CEO Burkhard Stork. «Fair competition is not a given and must be actively protected. This includes safeguarding a clear European footprint across the value chain, while ensuring enforcement of the rules. The EU and the German government must take responsibility for this.»
There is also an environmental dimension: the carbon footprint of bicycles and e-bikes manufactured in China is 52% and 66% higher respectively than those produced in Europe. The European bicycle industry produces more climate-friendly options, but has yet to derive any economic benefit from this.
«The aim is to create a level playing field where quality and responsible business practices determine who succeeds in the market – not one-sided subsidies,» Stork explains.
While the EU's existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties are important safeguards, their effectiveness is limited by complex supply chains and companies finding ways around them. The ZIV therefore calls for the extension of anti-dumping measures to components, further development of the technical regulations and the forging of alliances at the European level. Clear origin labelling or a «Made in Europe» designation could also highlight the quality and environmental benefits of European production.
ZIV – German Bicycle Industry
The ZIV is the national representative body and a strong voice for both the German and international bicycle industry. It represents stakeholders from across the entire bicycle ecosystem – from importers and wholesalers to established businesses and start-ups. As an industry association, the ZIV brings together and represents the interests of around 140 member companies vis-à-vis lawmakers in the EU and Germany, the German government, authorities, media, institutions and organisations. Around 90 percent of the bicycles and e-bikes produced in Germany in 2025 were from ZIV member companies, which export 1.4 million units every year in addition to sales on the domestic market.
