Report OverviewChina manufactures an estimated 80 percent bicycles produced globally.
The country is also the world's leading exporter, accounting for about 65 percent of global bicycle shipments.China's US$2-billion bicycles export industry continues to expand, particularly in view of the steadily rising demand for electric, mountain and children's bikes, as well as the growing popularity of innovative folding models.
To maintain competitiveness, many makers are improving product design and performance, while keeping price increases in check.This exclusive report will guide you through this booming industry, answering questions such as:
• What are the various types of bicycles available from China and at what price points?
• How will rising material and labor costs affect export prices in the next 12 months?
• What are the main differences among small, midsize and large manufacturers?
• Where are the main production hubs and which types of bicycles does each specialize in?What you'll get- In-depth profiles of 12 major suppliers that offer details on manufacturing capabilities, quality controls, future development plans and more.- A full-color Product Gallery featuring 146 export models, their prices and specifications- Detailed price guides that outline what you should expect to pay for different types of bicycles- Verified supplier contact details, including names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and websites of leading makersExecutive SummaryChina continues to dominate global output of bicycles, producing an estimated 80 percent of the total supply.
The country is also the world's leading exporter, accounting for about 65 percent of global bicycle shipments.In the first four months of 2007, China shipped out 20 million bicycles valued at US$786 million.
If sales performance is maintained throughout the rest of the year, revenue for the whole of 2007 can surpass US$2.3 billion.In 2006, the country exported 56 million bicycles worth US$1.9 billion.
This translates to a modest increase of 8 percent in value and 4.5 percent in volume, compared to the year before.
The United States, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Russia are the top overseas destinations of China-made bicycles.To maintain competitiveness, suppliers are continually improving product design and performance, while keeping price increase in check.The following are some of the key trends we see in China's bicycle export industry:
• Export prices are expected to increase through 2008, due mainly to rising material costs, the continuing appreciation of the yuan against the US dollar, and the July 2007 tax rebate cuts on China-made bicycles and bike parts.
• Some makers will upgrade management systems and automate key processes such as metal-forming, spray-painting, assembly and QC in an effort to bolster efficiency and achieve economies of scale.
• Models for launch in coming months will have better ergonomics, maneuverability and durability.
Further, the use of environment friendly Li-ion batteries on electric bikes is receiving increased attention.
• Folding bikes, an emerging trend identified in our previous report, will continue to rise in popularity, as more makers venture into this line.Designers will focus their R&D on creating lighter and more compact models when folded.This update report covers mountain, electric, city, BMX and children's bikes — products that dominate China's bicycle exports.The Products & Prices section details the latest features and current price ranges of bicycle categories, including folding versions.
It also compares the frame materials, mechanisms and components among low-end, midrange and high-end models.The Supplier Survey highlights the outlook on prices, capacity expansions, sales performance and product trends for 2008.The Industry Overview section focuses on the key issues China bicycle makers face, and how these are addressed.
It also discusses the industry composition, and differentiates the production capability of small, midsize and large players.
The strengths of major manufacturing hubs, mainly Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, and Tianjin, are likewise highlighted.Reflecting the industry structure further, three-quarters of suppliers featured in this report are mainland- China owned.
The rest are foreign invested and publicly listed.
The majority of them have direct export rights.This updated report profiles some of the leading bicycle makers in China, a number of which were also featured in the 2005 version.
Among them is Tianjin Flying Pigeon, recognized as one of the country's pioneers in the industry, having been established in the 1930s.