Accell Group Also Withdraws Support of Dumping Complaint

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands- Accell Group NV, Europe’s third largest bicycle maker, announced on 10 November that it has withdrawn its support of the dumping complaint on (painted and non-painted) bicycle frames, front forks and complete wheels imported from China and Taiwan. With this step the Accell Group joins with Derby Cycle Corporation which announced earlier that it is no longer supporting the complaint that was filed by the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association in September. On 5 November the European Commission officially announced the initiation of the dumping investigation. Both Derby and Accell Group emphasize that they remain strong advocates for the (renewal) of dumping duties for complete bikes imported from China. The decision by Europe’s largest bicycle groups represents a major kink in the dumping proceedings. With regard to these proceedings; to start an official EU investigation a minimum support of 50% of the European industry is required. Now that Accell Group and Derby Cycle Corporation have withdrawn their support, it is doubtful that this minimum is still there. This in turn raises questions about a possible cancellation of the investigation of the European Commission. With Derby Cycle Corporation and Accell Group withdrawing their support on the complaint, only Europe’s second largest bicycle maker, Monark Cycleurope, is still favoring the dumping investigation. (JO)