WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—Imports of kids’ bikes through June showed no signs of slowing, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Sidewalk bikes, 20-inch and 24-inch categories were up 32, 23 and 51 percent, respectively, compared to the same month in 2009.
However, most of these kids’ bikes are bound for mass-market stores.
Imports of adult bikes started off the year behind 2009 levels, but they’ve slowly recovered. Through June 26-inch mountain and comfort bikes were up 15 percent. However, the 700c category is still down 3 percent. At the end of the first quarter, road bike imports were down 13 percent. The 10 percent gain in the second quarter indicates that suppliers have increased orders.
Overall, bike imports are up 1.6 million units over last year though value is down $54.1 million. The average unit value fell from $82 in 2009 to $73 this year.
China has picked up almost all of the increase in business posting a 1.68 million unit increase over last year. Taiwan’s exports are off 20 percent with builders losing market share in most categories.
—Matt Wiebe
mwiebe@bicycleretailer.com
