The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has recommended extending the anti-dumping duties on bicycles and certain bicycle components imported from China until August 30, 2029. While the UK government retains the right to reject the recommendation, the move signals strong continuity with the European Union’s trade policy, as the EU continues to enforce similar measures.
The UK sells around 1.6 million bicycles annually, with China accounting for approximately 24% of its total bicycle imports. Currently, the anti-dumping duty rates on Chinese bicycles and bicycle components range from 19.2% to 48.5%, depending on the exporter. The TRA concluded that maintaining these duties could deliver benefits worth up to £9 million annually for UK producers (around RMB 86.8 million).
This recommendation comes as a surprise, as earlier this year the UK government scrapped anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on non-folding e-bikes imported from China. That decision sharply contrasted with the EU, which had extended its duties on Chinese e-bikes for another five years.
The UK abolished e-bike tariffs effective February 7, 2025, to open the market for more affordable electric bicycles. According to TRA, removing the tariffs on non-folding e-bikes meant consumers could save an average of £200 per purchase, making e-bikes more affordable.
The bicycle transition review was launched on August 23, 2024, covering Chinese bicycles and key components such as frames, wheels, handlebars, and braking systems. It also included bicycles imported from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia.
The TRA stated that due to China’s growing production capacity, removing the anti-dumping measures could harm the UK bicycle industry. The agency argued that extending the current duties would help prevent low-cost Chinese bicycles from dominating the market and could bring UK producers between £1 million and £9 million in annual benefits.
As part of the investigation, the TRA considered whether anti-dumping measures should be maintained only on complete bicycles while lifting duties on parts. However, due to insufficient evidence from industry participants, this option has not been pursued.
