Jan-Willem van Schaik

In 2025, the total export value of bicycles from Portugal increased by 4.26% to €777.1 million. The latest report from the industry association Abimota reveals a recovery in the country's bicycle and e-bike exports after two years of decline. The latest Abimota report does not disclose the export volume.

As the industry seeks to align the supply chain and match demand more effectively, reliable market data becomes essential. To provide the much-needed sourcing information and mid-term outlook, the Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI) serves as an indicator that anticipates future trends. Bike Europe discussed with Schwalbe's Head of Supply Chain Management, Vanessa Schulte, how the GBPI supports Schwalbe in the planning process.

The sales performance of the Specialty Sports Group unit at Fox Factory, which includes its bicycle business, decreased 0.4% to $509 million (€431 million) in 2025. "This reflects both lower diamond-sports products and bike sales and was primarily due to reducing inventory levels in all channels in response to market-wide economic conditions," said Fox Factory CEO Mike Dennison.

In the competitive global economy, the European Union (EU) continues to expand and modernise its network of trade agreements to promote economic growth, strengthen geopolitical ties and set global trade standards. Recently, agreements were concluded with India, Mercosur and Singapore. For the bicycle industry, the agreement with India was the most striking. What can the industry expect?

In the coming weeks, the 2025 financial results of the leading companies in the sector will be published. Many will likely look back on 2025 as another lost year. Hopes have been pinned on 2026, but will they prove realistic? What is your level of new incoming orders and purchasing? We would love to hear your expectations for the coming period in the Global Bicycle Purchasing Index (GBPI).

Accell Group announced the next milestone in its transformation, with new funding and a substantial debt reduction. Under an agreement announced today with its key stakeholders, Accell Group will receive additional funding in exchange for shares. The existing majority shareholders transferred control of Accell Group to a new corporate structure.

Giant Group announced the passing of its beloved founder, King Liu, who passed away peacefully in the early hours of 16 February at the age of 93. In a statement published by Giant Group, the company says, "King Liu was not only our founder but also a leader who consistently guided the organisation forward while remaining attentive to those around him."

The close connections between Triangle's and Hero Motor Company (HMC) have progressed into a strategic technical and sourcing partnership. The two companies agreed to combine Triangle's engineering excellence with India‑based industrial scale at HMC to create a competitive aluminium bicycle-frame-building conglomerate. HMC will get access to technical know-how, while Triangle's can more easily supply entry-level and mid-premium frames for the European Union market.

The total market value in the Netherlands surged by more than 60% in the past 10 years, driven by the rising average retail prices for e-bikes. In 2025, combined bicycle and e-bike sales totalled at €1.533 billion, a 1.3% decline from 2024. Market growth over the past years has masked declining sales volumes. In 2025, the market experienced a further 7% decline in units. At the same time, the average price increase of e-bikes and bicycles combined exceeded the rate of inflation more than twice. To what extent will consumers continue to pay the ever-increasing prices?

Robust sales for Shimano Inc. in Europe compensated for weak demand in North America and Asia in 2025. Similarly to its 2024 results, differences across markets were again significant. Despite challenging market conditions, strong sales in Europe were unable to prevent a major decline in operating income overall. The medium-term trend shows Shimano's revenue is well above pre-covid level, but the operating income and net income to the owners are both substantially lower. Shimano is the first to publish its financial results but not many will present such stable figures.