Bicycle industry in the UK - statistics & facts
The United Kingdom has a long history in the bicycle industry and has contributed several key inventions over the years that have shaped the modern bike, such as the shape and functionality used today as well as the pneumatic tire. With the increasing popularity of cycling, manufacturers began establishing themselves nationwide. Some bike manufacturers established in the 19th century are still among the most recognizable brands in the UK today, such as Pashley or Raleigh. More recent 20th- and 21st-century additions to the market include brands with a particular focus. This includes Brompton, well-known for its folding bikes, and Frog Bikes, which produces children’s bicycles.
The UK has retained some bike manufacturing capacity. With companies gradually placing higher value on shorter business to consumer (B2C) distances coupled with global supply chain slowdowns, shortages, and higher taxes in recent years, more UK bicycle manufacturers have considered onshoring some of their production. The volume of domestic manufacturer sales increased by nearly half between 2021 and 2022. However, the value of bicycle imports to the UK, totaling 375 million pound sterling, is about three times higher than its bicycle export value.
The UK: A Bicycle Importer
As in other parts of Europe, many bikes sold in the UK are now imported from overseas, particularly from manufacturers based in Asia. The UK is also an important bicycle export market for the EU, with nearly a fifth of bicycles and an even larger share of e-bikes shipped to the UK. Trade has been heavily impacted by Brexit, and bicycles that could previously be imported from the EU without import duty are now subject to a 14 percent tariff if less than 70 percent of their parts are manufactured in the UK.The UK has retained some bike manufacturing capacity. With companies gradually placing higher value on shorter business to consumer (B2C) distances coupled with global supply chain slowdowns, shortages, and higher taxes in recent years, more UK bicycle manufacturers have considered onshoring some of their production. The volume of domestic manufacturer sales increased by nearly half between 2021 and 2022. However, the value of bicycle imports to the UK, totaling 375 million pound sterling, is about three times higher than its bicycle export value.
