China's Bike Export Leveling Off, But.....

BEIJING, China – After years of unprecedented growth the export of bicycles from China is now leveling off. According to China’s national customs office 30.43 million bicycles were exported in the first half of 2008. Compared with the previous first six months this is a slight 1.8% drop in units.

However, looking at the value of the export than the picture is completely different as it shows a two-digit 12% increase to a total of US$ 1.28 billion (€ 904 mn). Electric bicycles are not included in these figures.

During the first six months of 2008 China’s export of electric bicycles dropped 1.3% in units to 695,820 e-Bikes. However, like bicycles also the export of e-bikes upped big time in value. Even an over 57% plus was recorded by the national customs to a total export value of US$ 123.09 million (€ 86.9 mn).

By the way when looking at the total export in units and in value then the average export value of an China e-Bike stood at about € 125. For a complete e-bike including battery, hubmotor, torque sensor etc. such a price level raises question marks in particular on quality. But one has to take into account that China’s e-Bike export wasn’t focused on Europe alone with its high demand for quality products but includes all export countries.