The Indian bicycle industry seems upbeat with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union and the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. Both are regarded as key emerging markets for bicycle exporters, as observed at the recently concluded Ride India Expo 2026 held at the Ludhiana Exhibition Centre in India.
The European and Indian bicycle industries have always maintained close ties, although the trade volume remained relatively low. This might change drastically now: after almost 20 years of difficult talks, the Free Trade Agreement was agreed on 27 January in New Delhi. It's the biggest deal ever made by either side, which has also been eagerly awaited by the bicycle industry.
BRUSSELS, India - The EU and India are intensifying bilateral contacts again with a view to concluding negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during her speech in Davos that the first trip of the new Commission would be to India. "Together with Prime Minister Modi, we want to upgrade the strategic partnership with the largest country and democracy in the world," she said.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union and Malaysia will soon start negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) that could have a major impact on the bicycle industry. The Southeast Asian country is home to Shimano supplier Kwang Li Industry.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finalising the trade agreements currently under negotiation is one of the tasks of the next Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic. The agreements with Malaysia and Thailand will certainly be part of that commitment. The best-known company in the bicycle industry based in Thailand is Vittoria while Malaysia is the home of Shimano's supplier Kwang Li Industry.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The announced reopening of the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and Thailand aims to advance swiftly in the talks and to hold a first round of discussion in the coming months. The FTA could result in another push for the already growing bicycle production in South-East Asia.
