WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—Importers brought in 139,794 fewer units this January compared with the year before—a 13 percent drop in business, the lowest January for importers since 2002.
Adult bike categories were most responsible for the drop as 41 percent fewer 26-inch bikes and 38 percent fewer road and hybrid bikes were imported.
Imports from Taiwan—the source of many bikes headed for the specialty retail channel—fell 51 percent to 38,895 units, its lowest level in more than 10 years.
Taiwanese 26-inch imports saw the most drop, falling 26,824 units or 72 percent. Even 700c bikes from Taiwan, which were unusually strong last year, dropped 31 percent.
—Matt Wiebe
