Steady Production Growth Amid Global Challenges
China’s bicycle industry demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, with total production reaching 99.537 million units, representing a 0.4% year-on-year increase. This stable growth pattern emerged as a key highlight at the recent 2025 China International Bicycle Exhibition held in Shanghai, where industry leaders gathered to showcase the latest products and market trends.
The exhibition featured innovative designs and technological advancements that reflect the industry’s evolving direction, drawing attention from domestic and international stakeholders alike.
Export Recovery Drives Industry Momentum
International trade provided crucial support for the industry’s performance, with bicycle exports showing significant recovery. Official data reveals that China exported 47.814 million conventional bicycles in 2024, marking a substantial 20.7% increase compared to the previous year. The export value reached approximately $2.664 billion, growing by 3.7% year-on-year.
The electric bicycle segment also posted strong international results, with export volume climbing 12% to 4.672 million units. E-bike export value reached around $2.1 billion, representing a 6% increase from 2023 levels.
Domestic Market Embraces Premium Products
China’s domestic market experienced a notable shift toward premium products, fueled by the ongoing cycling boom. According to Zheng Xiaoling, spokesperson for the China Bicycle Association, domestic sales of mid-to-high-end sports bicycles saw significant growth in the first half of 2024, with Chinese brands recording a 20% sales increase in premium categories.
International premium brands also expanded their presence in the Chinese market, establishing flagship stores in major cities and contributing to a 12.5% year-on-year increase in imports of competition-grade bicycles.
E-bike Market Advances with Smart Technology
The electric bicycle sector continues to evolve, with premium models now accounting for 19.1% of market share. “Smart and stylish designs are significantly enhancing user experience across the product spectrum,” Zheng noted during the exhibition.
The industry received additional support in August 2024 when Chinese authorities launched a national e-bike trade-in program. “This marks the first national-level policy promoting e-bike replacements,” Zheng explained. “The program combines government subsidies with manufacturer discounts to accelerate the retirement of older, non-compliant vehicles while stimulating market activity.”
Industry observers see these developments as evidence of the market’s continuing maturation and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
