US bike imports from China rebounded
US bicycle imports from China bounced back in July–August after a spring slump, likely as importers pulled forward orders ahead of potential tariff hikes in November. The latest US Census August data – released late due to a government shutdown – show recovery from the lows in May-June, when imports by value fell to US$65 million and monthly units dipped below 500,000 in June, 46% fewer than a year prior.
As Bicycle Retailer & Industry News (BRAIN) reports, the rebound in Chinese imports followed the 11 August announcement that reciprocal tariffs would stay at 10% until November, still on top of Section 301 and fentanyl-related duties, but lower than feared – narrowing the gap with alternative sourcing in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
Through August, Cambodia led by value year-to-date (US$204m vs China's US$159m), but China remained at the top when measured by units (3.8m vs 1m for Cambodia).
