Fri, 07 Feb 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 Cheaper China e-bikes 'kick in teeth' for UK firms

British makers of e-bikes are worried after the government scraps tariffs on Chinese e-bikes .
British-based companies such as Volt and Wisper Bikes have expressed concerns that the move will lead to a flood of cheap Chinese imports, further weakening an already struggling market. The decision was made by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who accepted a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority to revoke tariffs on non-folding e-bikes from China. The move is expected to save consumers £200 but has been criticized for prioritizing cheaper imports over supporting domestic manufacturers. Industry experts have warned that the lifting of tariffs will bring "a lot of trouble" for UK companies, which are already operating in a tough market. Many firms have struggled with high stocks and low sales since post-Covid pandemic sales dropped dramatically. A spokesperson for the government claimed that defending UK industry from unfair competition was important, but manufacturers argue that this decision is misguided and will ultimately harm the domestic industry. Tariffs on folding e-bikes from China remain in place, sparking confusion among industry experts about why only one part of the market has been protected. The decision has also sparked concerns about safety, with some companies warning of a potential flood of unsafe Chinese imports into the UK.
  >>