<b>Italy 2006:</b> More Bicycles Sold, Less Import

In 2006 the Italian domestic consumption rose by 3.5% and this stimulated bike production. At the same time, the import of complete bicycles dropped with 6.9%. According to the statistics of ANCMA (the National Association for the Bicycle and Motorcycle Industry) the Italian industry produced a total of 2,418,000 bicycles, a marginal increase of 0.8% on the total for 2005. Bicycle exports continued to loose ground: 7.8% down to 1,248,810, while the import of complete bicycles decreased to 764,119 units.