Australian Bike Imports Rise 12%

MELBOURNE, Australia (BRAIN)—Imports of bicycles into Australia grew 12 percent in 2010 due to strong growth in the summer months, according to bicycle sales statistics released by Australian nonprofit Cycling Promotion Fund.

Figures released by the group, and provided by Australian Customs, showed 1,313,446 million bikes were imported in 2010 compared with 1,154,122 million the year before. The outlook is positive for continued growth this year.

“After excellent growth in the June to September months in comparison to the previous year, there was concern with a large fall in October. With solid figures in November and December, it appears the market has stabilized and we look forward to 2011,” the report said.

The number of imported bikes in 2010 was the second highest recorded since 1998. In 2007, Australia imported 1,427,738 bikes.

Of total imports last year, 64 percent, or 846,121, were adult bikes, up a tick from 2009 when 61 percent, or 728,527, of total bikes fell into the adult category.

The highest number of import for the year came in September with 180,690 bikes. That was up from 142,791 for the same month in 2009. In October, imports dipped to 165,282 from 197,815 in October 2009, representing the largest month over month decline for the year.

—Nicole Formosa
nformosa@bicycleretailer.com