比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－歐盟執行委員會（European Commission，以下簡稱執委會）於上週宣布，針對中國電動自行車續課反傾銷與反補貼雙稅，期限再延長5年。該會決定對各公司適用個別反傾銷稅率，稅率從9.9%（Giant Electric Vehicle）至70.1%（未配合調查公司）不等。

比利時，布魯塞爾（BRUSSELS）－隨歐盟新《電池法》（Batteries Regulation）於2023年8月上路，自行車產業對於其中關於可維修性的第11條規定格外關注。歐盟執行委員會（以下簡稱執委會）現已發布指引，以促進落實該法規，並針對廣受討論的單顆電芯更換議題提供進一步說明。

台灣，台北－根據初步海關統計資料顯示，台灣在2024年出口的電動自行車數量減少47%。一年內僅出口近36.5萬輛，為2018年以來的最低紀錄。出口值亦同比減少43%，顯示供應鏈的經濟影響仍持續發酵。

比利時，科特賴克（KORTRIJK）－在眾多企業陷入財務困境又面臨需求疲軟的歐洲市場當中，比利時是否為最有前景的市場？比利時產業協會Traxio-Velo秘書長Paul Glorieux在發布2024年市場數據時表示：「2024年對自行車產業來說並非危機之年。」

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Any frequent visitor of bicycle industry factories in Taiwan, has seen that a lot of the workers come from countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia. Often the signing in the factories is multi-lingual to facilitate the foreign workers. In a recent publication, LeMonde Diplomatique reports that they have found indicators of forced labour according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), particularly in the Taiwan bicycle industry.

MADRID, Spain - Following a dip in 2023 after two very successful years, bicycle production in Spain rebounded in 2024 with a 2.9% year-on-year increase in volume. Despite the value of the output dipping slightly, the Spanish industry is proving to remain robust compared to pre-pandemic levels.

ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.

It's no secret that cycling in nature has its benefits, from getting fresh air to improving one's overall health. But proper mountain bike trails don't just appear by themselves. They take careful consideration and planning. That's why Shimano has pledged a sum of 10 million USD to global trail building projects over the next 10 years.

OSLO, Norway - The innovative software of BikeFolder might potentially create so much relevant data for the industry, that Shimano Nordic announced a partnership with the start-up in the Nordic region. BikeFolder offers a solution for bicycle manufacturers that gives them insights into where their products go once they leave the factory and what happens during their lifecycle.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The reaction to the EU's recent decision to extend the anti-dumping and countervailing measures against imports e-bike from China doesn't come near the heavy discussions six years ago when the measures were implemented for the first time. For that reason, LEVA-EU now draws attention to the cheap and non-compliant e-bike from China and the complex exemption processes for 'made in China' e-bike components.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - When the new battery regulation came into place in August 2023, a lot of attention from the bicycle industry was given to 'Article 11' on repairability. The European Commission has now published guidelines to facilitate the introduction of this part of the regulation, and specifically the much-discussed topic of single-cell replacement.

LONDON, England - Following a public consultation process, the UK's Department for Transport has decided against implementing new legislation for e-bikes in the country. Under discussion were raising the maximum continuous power classification of e-bikes from 250 watts to 500 watts and allowing throttle assistance up to 25 km/h on e-bikes without the need for type approval.

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands - Darfon, announced the appointment of René Timmermans as European-based director of OEM/ODM, effective immediately. In this role, René will be responsible for the management of all commercial matters involving Darfon Energy, Astro Tech and Kenstone, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership experience to the team.

MADRID, Spain - Two Rotor Bike Component founders have launched a new performance cycling brand. Pablo Carrasco and Ignacio Estelles merged their vision and manufacturing expertise carbon manufacturer YMA to develop bicycle components. QO's first product line is a series of carbon fiber cranksets on display at Velofollies earlier this month.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan exported 47% less e-bikes across 2024, the preliminary custom statistics show. With just under 365,000 units leaving the nation's shores in a year, this is the lowest volume since 2018. The export value also dropped 43% year-on-year meaning the economic ramifications must still be being felt throughout the supply chain.

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission announced this morning to maintain the anti-dumping as well as countervailing duties on e-bikes imported from China for another 5 years. The Commission has opted for the imposition of per company targeted dumping duties. The dumping duties vary from 9.9% for Giant Electric Vehicle up to 70.1% for a group of non-cooperative companies.

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.

KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.