**United States**: A fresh wave of trade tariffs imposed by the US is set to impact the e-bike industry significantly, affecting pricing and sourcing as companies adapt to complex supply chain challenges amid potential reciprocal tariffs from the EU.
A new wave of trade tariffs imposed by the United States on imported goods is poised to have a significant impact on the e-bike industry. These tariffs, which apply broadly across a range of products, are expected to affect e-bike prices and market strategies in the U.S., leading brands to reconsider their sourcing and assembly processes.
Currently, approximately 50% of e-bikes sold in the United States are sourced from China, with Taiwan contributing an additional 27%, Europe 20%, and a mere 3% being assembled domestically. The tariffs present a challenge for companies that rely heavily on these international supply chains, which are likely to face increased costs. Adjusting these established supply chains is a complex endeavour that may take time and resources.
A key aspect of the tariffs involves the rules of origin stipulated by U.S. trade law, which determines a product’s country of origin based on the frame’s source rather than where the entire product is assembled. As a result, many e-bikes assembled in Europe or the U.S. could still be classified as Chinese-origin if their frames are sourced from China and not deemed to have undergone “substantial transformation”. This classification could expose many companies to higher tariffs than anticipated.
Outside of the United States, European brands are also bracing for potential repercussions. There have been indications that the EU may implement reciprocal tariffs on U.S.-made products in response to the new U.S. policy. Such measures could see tariffs on U.S.-bound goods rise to 25% or more, further complicating the international trade landscape for e-bikes and cycling components.
Chris Nolte, co-founder of Bloom—an organisation focused on aiding hardware brands in micromobility and other niches—commented on the current shifts, stating, “We’re seeing automotive manufacturers in the U.S. repurpose their lines to build e-bikes, scooters, and other non-automotive products. There’s unused capacity, skilled labour, and a real willingness to get involved—but brands have to act decisively.” This suggests a potential pivot within existing industries that may help address the changing market demands.
The concept of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) has also emerged as a topic of interest among manufacturers looking to navigate tariff challenges more effectively. FTZs allow companies to defer or exempt tariffs on components imported for domestic assembly. While historically favoured by larger corporations, there are growing efforts to make these zones more accessible to smaller and mid-sized manufacturers.
Nolte explained the importance of understanding and implementing strategies related to FTZs and regional assembly, emphasising that “These aren’t just policy tools—they’re levers for resilience, and they’re becoming more relevant by the day.” This indicates a shift in how smaller firms might look to adapt to changing trade environments.
For European bike brands, this juncture presents both obstacles and opportunities, motivating many to reconsider their supply chains by exploring U.S. assembly options, forming regional partnerships, and innovating manufacturing processes. Some companies are already experimenting with shared infrastructure and new sourcing methods in an effort to mitigate potential trade barriers.
As Europe has successfully strengthened its local manufacturing through anti-dumping measures and investment, the pressing question remains whether the U.S. will pursue a similar route to establish a more resilient domestic supply chain or if these developments will simply become another regulatory burden for the industry. The actual ramifications of these tariffs on the e-bike sector and beyond have yet to be fully realised, but they are prompting industry stakeholders to rethink their future strategies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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