WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—Imports across all categories were up 12 percent through February, with strong gains in kids' bikes offsetting losses in adult bike categories, according to the most recent Department of Commerce import report.
Average unit value dropped 20 percent to $81 a bike, compared to $100 a bike last year, these values include freight costs. A variety of issues are pushing manufacturing and freight costs up, so suppliers are importing a mix of bikes valued well below what they imported last year.
The jump in kids' imports this year, up 27 percent, suggests sales have returned and mass-market suppliers are optimistic about this season. Imports of adult bikes, mostly sold through the specialty channel, were down 57,583 units, a drop of 8 percent.
—Matt Wiebe
