Escalating trade pressures are disrupting every link in the bicycle supply chain, driving up costs, complicating sourcing, squeezing margins, and shaking consumer confidence. Our new resource hub breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how PeopleForBikes is leading the charge to protect the bike industry and your business.

Administration Releases Fact Sheet Outlining Terms of a Trade and Economic Agreement With China

On Saturday, November 1, the administration released a fact sheet outlining the terms of a trade and economic deal with China. While the fact sheet refers to the results of discussions as an “agreement,” a number of details still remain to be defined. The key features of the potential agreement with respect to the bicycle industry include:

Section 301 Exclusions: The U.S. agreed to extend all current Section 301 tariff exclusions due to expire on November 29 for an additional year. The extended exclusions include bicycle trailers and certain bicycle helmets.

IEEPA Fentanyl and Reciprocal Tariffs: The U.S. will lower IEEPA fentanyl tariffs on Chinese imports from 20% to 10%, effective November 10, 2025. The 10% reciprocal tariffs will remain at that level until November 10, 2026. This will lower the total tariff on most bicycles from 66% to 56%, and lower tariffs on electric bicycles from 55% to 45%.

Port Fees: Both countries agreed to remove additional port fees and other actions that were recently imposed as the trade war expanded.

PeopleForBikes views these negotiations and outcomes as generally favorable for the U.S. bicycle industry. Although relatively high additional tariffs on Chinese-origin bicycle and e-bike imports remain in place, it appears they will remain fairly constant for the next year, barring any breakdown in relations and resumption of trade hostilities.

Other Trade Developments: The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on November 5 in litigation over the validity of the administration’s use of the IEEPA to impose reciprocal and other tariffs. A decision by the Court is anticipated in early 2026. If the tariffs are not upheld, the decision could result in further actions by the administration under other trade authorities like Section 301 or Section 232.

Additionally, members should take note of a new request by the U.S. Trade Representative for public comments regarding China’s alleged noncompliance with a January 15, 2020, Economic and Trade Agreement (the Phase One agreement). The Phase One agreement kept Section 301 tariffs on List 4A at 15% on certain goods and delayed the implementation of tariffs on List 4B. It is not clear whether the administration intends to pursue further enforcement of the Phase One agreement in light of the recent agreements with China. The comment period and window to request to provide in-person testimony at a December 16 hearing closes on December 1.

Administration Announces Updates on Trade Agreements with China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia

A number of trade and tariff developments took place over the weekend, including ongoing negotiations with China and new statements from the administration regarding trade agreements with Cambodia and Malaysia and frameworks for potential future agreements with Vietnam and Thailand.

President Trump and President Xi are scheduled to meet Thursday, October 30, to discuss a number of issues and hopefully ease trade tensions between China and the U.S. Recent escalations included threats of up to a 100% tariff on Chinese-origin goods imported into the U.S., additional port fees and export controls from both countries, and China’s failure to purchase American agricultural products, including soybeans. PeopleForBikes anticipates that both sides will temporarily pause imposing any additional trade measures while they discuss a framework for resolving these and other issues.

On October 26, the administration issued a joint statement regarding the framework for a trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam. While many details have yet to be determined, the statement included the following:

“The United States will maintain at 20% the reciprocal tariffs, as set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended, on originating goods of Vietnam, and will also identify products from the list set out in Annex III to Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025, Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, to receive a zero percent reciprocal tariff rate.”

This provides some certainty with respect to the reciprocal tariff rate (20% plus base tariff rate) on goods imported from Vietnam, as well as the possibility of some goods being excluded from the reciprocal tariffs. However, the U.S. indicated its interest in addressing labor practices, duty evasion, and “any distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises.”

A similar joint statement issued on October 26 announced the framework for a trade agreement with respect to Thailand. The framework will keep the reciprocal tariff rate on Thai goods at 19% and officially establish certain commitments from Thailand with respect to intellectual property, taxation of digital services, labor and environmental practices, “distortionary behaviors of state-owned enterprises,” and purchases of U.S. agricultural products and aircraft.

More progress was made with Cambodia, with the administration announcing an official trade agreement. The agreement sets favorable tariff rates for U.S. goods (Schedule 1) and excludes a long list of products from reciprocal tariffs (Schedule 2). With respect to goods listed on Schedule 2, the base tariff rates will apply, but not the reciprocal tariff rate. For goods not listed on Schedule 2, both the base tariff rate and a 19% reciprocal tariff will apply (Annex, page 3).

Bicycles, electric bicycles, and bicycle components are not listed on Schedule 2 and remain subject to both base tariffs and the 19% reciprocal tariffs.

The agreement also includes more defined language regarding intellectual property, forced labor and labor rights, and the status of state-owned or third country enterprises. It will likely serve as a model for the eventual agreements with Vietnam and Thailand. PeopleForBikes members are advised to review the entire agreement for potential impacts on their business. For example, Section 4 of the agreement authorizes a party to unilaterally impose new Rules of Origin:

“The Parties intend for the benefits of this Agreement to accrue substantially to them and their nationals. If benefits of this Agreement are accruing substantially to third countries or third-country nationals, a Party may establish rules of origin necessary to achieve the Parties’ intention for this Agreement.”

This language appears to be a reference to the origin of products that are benefiting from removal of reciprocal tariffs under the agreement. Section 5 then requires Cambodia to, “consistent with its sovereign interests,” adopt additional duties or other trade actions that the U.S. imposes on “third countries.” It remains to be seen exactly what sort of actions the U.S. may urge Cambodia to take in order to retain the benefits of this agreement.

Finally, the U.S. also reached a trade agreement with Malaysia. While very similar in most respects to the Cambodia agreement (including a Rules of Origin provision), there is some more specific language in Section 5.1 of the Malaysia agreement with respect to third countries:

“Malaysia shall adopt and implement measures, in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations, to address unfair practices of companies owned or controlled by third countries operating in Malaysia’s jurisdiction that result in —

(a) the export of below-market price goods to the United States;

(b) increased exports of such goods to the United States;

(c) a reduction in U.S. exports to Malaysia; or

(d) a reduction in U.S. exports to third-country markets.”

It is not clear whether the administration intends to submit these trade agreements to Congress, which has the authority to regulate trade with other countries under the Constitution. If so, Congress would also have the power to amend the agreements. If the administration intends to instead rely solely on IEEPA to regulate trade with these countries, that could be affected by pending litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the extent of the president’s authority.

FINAL HOURS: Take Action to Oppose New 50% Tariffs

PeopleForBikes and the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) are calling on every U.S. bicycle retailer, supplier, and manufacturer to act before midnight tonight to oppose two new tariff requests that could devastate the bike industry.

On October 7, the U.S. Department of Commerce published 95 new requests for inclusion under the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. Two of these requests, filed by the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) and Guardian Bikes, would apply a 50% tariff on the aluminum and steel content of all imported bicycles, frames, and e-bikes.

If approved, these tariffs would dramatically increase prices, reduce product availability, and threaten jobs across the U.S. bicycle industry. The new duties would stack on top of existing base rates and Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, pushing total import costs to unsustainable levels. Many products imported from China, already subject to combined duties exceeding 30–50%, would face additional 50% surcharges under Section 232, amplifying financial strain on retailers, suppliers, and consumers.

The Commerce Department’s public comment period closes at midnight ET on October 21, 2025, leaving just hours for the bicycle industry and community to respond. PeopleForBikes created detailed resources — including a template letter and talking points — to help companies and individuals submit comments quickly and effectively.

Submit comments opposing both bicycle-related inclusion requests using the official links:

Personalize your submission to explain how these tariffs will harm your business and customers.

Sign on to the NBDA’s industrywide letter to show collective opposition and demonstrate the united strength of the bicycle community.

This is our industry’s only opportunity to stop these tariffs before they take effect. Submitting comments TODAY is critical to protect U.S. bicycle retailers, manufacturers, and consumers, along with the national cycling ecosystem we’ve all worked hard to build.

Stop Additional 50% Tariffs on Bikes and E-Bikes: Here’s How

The U.S. Commerce Department published 95 new requests for inclusion of derivative products in the Section 232 aluminum and steel tariffs. Two requests were made to add bicycles, frames and e-bikes to those tariffs.

If these two inclusion requests are granted, all bicycles and frames imported into the US from any country would be subject to a 50% tariff on both their steel and aluminum content. In addition, the value of the aluminum content of electric bicycles with motors greater than 250W would be subject to a 50% tariff. Importers would be required to determine and declare the value of the content of each metal on entry documentation. All non-steel or aluminum content would be subject to all other tariffs. Base tariffs and section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports would also still apply to the entire product.

Our only opportunity to oppose these requested tariffs will end on October 21st when the two-week comment period closes. PeopleForBikes will be submitting comments in opposition to these two requests and encourage industry allies to do the same. 

PeopleForBikes has created a template letter to prepare and submit a comment letter to the Commerce Department. We have also created talking points to state your opposition to the requests for inclusion. There are TWO requests for inclusion of bicycles, frames and electric bicycles, one from Guardian Bikes and the other from the Aluminum Extruders Council. You should submit a comment on EACH one with the same general information about your business, followed by arguments specific to that request. We suggest you create and then upload a letter through the links below, rather than type your comment into the website.

Please submit your response to the Aluminum Extruders Council comment HERE

Please submit your response to the Guardian Bikes comment HERE

Please reach out to Ash Lovell (ash@peopleforbikes.org) with any questions about this comment submission process. We suggest that you clearly define who your company is and how these tariffs will impact your American business as well as American consumers. Please put some time and effort into preparing your letter. This is your chance to tell the government how these tariffs will impact your business.

Bike Industry Updates on New Trump Administration Tariffs

President Trump signed a provision into law that effectively ends duty-free shipments into the United States that are valued at less than $800, often referred to as de minimis shipments. This represents a significant win for bicycle retailers and manufacturers that pay tariffs on imports only to be undermined by de minimis shipments sent directly to consumers without any tariff. The provision is scheduled to go into effect in 2027.

Not surprisingly, the number of de minimis shipments dramatically increased over the years, especially after the duty-free threshold changed from $200 to $800. According to Customs and Border Protection, roughly 4 million de minimis shipments to the United States are processed every day.

These shipments are often used to ship counterfeit, untested, and unsafe products to the United States, harming both consumers and bicycle businesses.

PeopleForBikes has long advocated for ending de minimis shipments because of the significant impact they have on the bike industry. To illustrate the negative effect on bike businesses, PeopleForBikes and our member companies have participated in fly-ins to Washington, D.C., sent numerous industry letters to policymakers, and hosted webinars. Despite strong opposition, the hard work of our allies in Congress finally resulted in a successful reform to this policy. We are thankful for all of our Coalition members who played such a critical role in this much-needed policy change after years of advocacy.

End to De Minimis Shipments Signed into Law 

PeopleForBikes, the national trade association for the bicycle industry, supports the introduction of the bipartisan U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act, a forward-looking bill designed to accelerate domestic bicycle manufacturing by removing key tariff barriers.

Introduced by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), both senior members of the House Ways and Means Committee and co-chairs of the Congressional Bicycle Caucus, this legislation will eliminate tariffs on imported bicycle components used in domestic assembly.


“This legislation supports American jobs, lowers costs for domestic producers, and makes it easier to build and assemble bikes in the U.S.,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “It’s a smart, targeted solution to a longstanding problem — how to grow U.S. bicycle manufacturing in the face of rising costs and global trade pressures.”


Clearing the Way for Domestic Bicycle Assembly and Manufacturing

Currently, companies producing and assembling bicycles in the U.S. face high tariffs on essential components — a significant barrier to domestic growth. This bill:

Eliminates tariffs on bicycle components used specifically for U.S. assembly.

Supports existing manufacturers and opens new opportunities for companies to begin producing bikes domestically.

Exempts qualified imports from Section 301 and other punitive tariffs when used for complete bicycle production.

Sets measurable goals to assemble 2 million bicycles annually in the U.S. within five years and 5 million bicycles annually within 10 years.

“This legislation will dramatically grow our domestic production footprint and provide meaningful incentives to increase the number of bicycles built in America,” added Dice. “We thank Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Thompson for their unwavering support of the bicycle industry and their innovative solutions to help create more certainty and growth for bike companies across the country.”

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the bike industry contributes nearly $5.5 billion in gross domestic output as part of the broader $1.2 trillion outdoor industry, which employs more than 5 million Americans. The Outdoor Industry Association estimates cycling directly generates $100 billion in retail spending, supports nearly 1 million jobs, and provides $13 billion in state and federal taxes each year. 


As momentum builds to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S., this legislation gives bicycle companies the tools and certainty needed to invest in domestic production and meet growing demand for more people to enjoy the freedom and fun of riding a bike.


This legislation reflects months of collaboration and idea-sharing by members of PeopleForBikes’ Domestic Manufacturing and Supply Chain Committee, who worked together through multiple drafts and proposals to shape a policy that meets the real-world needs of U.S. bicycle companies. 

As the voice of the bicycle industry, PeopleForBikes continues to partner with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to reduce harmful tariffs, advocate for a transparent exclusion process, eliminate de minimis loopholes that disadvantage domestic production, and advance meaningful incentives to grow U.S. bicycle manufacturing. The organization’s trade policy efforts also include supporting retroactive extensions of the Generalized System of Preferences to ensure a more stable and competitive business environment for all stakeholders in the bicycle industry.

PeopleForBikes Applauds Bipartisan Legislation to Boost U.S. Bicycle Assembly and Manufacturing

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the most current information available at the time of release (April 7, 2025). It is possible that future actions by specific countries may result in the reduction — or increase — of these tariffs. The information provided in this FAQ is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. PeopleForBikes advises importers to consult their customs broker or trade counsel for specific advice.


Q: What are the current tariffs for specific bike products and do you expect these to change?

The base tariff paid for a specific product depends upon its country of origin (where the product is made) and tariff rate for that product as determined by its classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Additional tariffs can then be placed on imports under various provisions of U.S. law for different reasons. For example, starting in 2018, a series of tariffs were imposed on products imported from China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. There have also been tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from various countries under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 since 2018. Recently, the administration increased these tariffs and imposed new tariff measures in addition to all previous tariffs. PeopleForBikes expects these tariffs to change frequently in the near term based on the administration's actions and stated intentions.

Q: What resources or guidance are you offering to ensure companies are making informed decisions about tariff impacts?

PeopleForBikes periodically publishes a Tariff Guide available to Coalition members in our Member Center. We also send member communications about major tariff changes and most recently issued updates in response to trade and tariff actions by the Trump administration. Importers are required by law to make informed decisions in how they classify and value their products, and the vast array of supply chains and product mixes in our industry, as well as the confidentiality required about those suppliers and products, makes it impossible for PeopleForBikes to provide more specific advice. We advise importers to consult their customs broker or trade counsel for specific advice.

Q. How will the new tariffs affect prices for bikes and e-bikes and when consumers can expect to see higher prices?

PeopleForBikes cannot comment on specific price impacts. Under economic realities, dramatic increases in landed costs will put upward pressure on retail prices.

Q: When do the reciprocal tariffs come into effect for goods in transit?

If goods are "loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in the final mode of transit" prior to the effective time of a specific tariff, they will not be subject to that tariff. 


Q. Is the ocean vessel the “final mode of transit”? If goods move from a port of entry to final destination via rail, is that the final mode?

“Final mode” refers to the last mode of transport before a product reaches a U.S. port of entry where duty is collected. Typically that is a seaport. If a container physically enters the country at a seaport and is loaded onto a rail car and entry is made elsewhere, it may not qualify for the exception.

Q. How do Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum relate to the new reciprocal tariffs?

With respect to products subject to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (like bicycle chains), there is an exclusion from the new tariffs in the executive order. Please consult with your broker to determine whether your product qualifies for this exclusion.

Q. Is there a potential for exemptions from these tariffs at this time?

The administration indicated there will be "no exemptions," however the Secretary of Commerce has discretion to adjust these tariff rates (either up or down) going forward.

Q. What will the tariff be if a bicycle is assembled in Taiwan but the frames are produced in Vietnam? 

For purposes of U.S. imports, the country in which a bicycle or e-bike frame is made determines the country of origin of the completed product and applicable tariffs.

Q. Is the $800 de minimis value still in effect for all countries that are not China?

The new policy applies to PRODUCTS from China, not just shipments originating in China. This means a Chinese-origin product shipped from Canada would not qualify for de minimis treatment and duty/fees would be assessed. De minimis is still in effect for low-dollar-value shipments of goods with origin in other countries until the Secretary of Commerce determines that these shipments can be processed for collection of duties or fees.

Q: What are you hearing from your members about the impact of the tariffs, particularly on materials like steel and aluminum?

The primary impact of the steel and aluminum tariffs has been on domestic manufacturers who use those materials as inputs for their products. When tariffs are placed on imported steel and aluminum, domestic producers raise their prices to just below the cost of imported metals. This makes a domestically produced product like a headset more expensive to make and less competitive with a foreign-made product, especially one that enters the country direct-to-consumer under the de minimis loophole, because no duties or taxes are placed on that product. Additionally, a few bicycle components like chains are subject to the new 25% Section 232 tariff on steel products.

Q: Do you foresee changes in manufacturing practices, product pricing, or industry collaboration as a result of these tariffs?

A stated purpose of the new tariffs is to encourage U.S. manufacturing, so it is possible more of that will happen in our industry and some companies will start or increase domestic manufacturing or assembly operations. However, there are still a lot of hurdles to domestic manufacturing if tariffs on inputs are high, interest rates remain high and capital costs more, and U.S. labor is expensive and in short supply. These barriers were addressed in legislation last year, H.R. 8625 (the Domestic Bicycle Production Act), which unfortunately did not advance. Re-building assembly and component manufacturing domestically is a big undertaking and would take government support to accomplish at any sort of realistic scale. On a positive note, PeopleForBikes currently has a group of members talking about how to make that happen, and it’s encouraging to work in an industry where companies can set competitive instincts aside and work together for the good of all.

Q. How can bicycle industry members best engage with Congress about these tariffs? 

PeopleForBikes created a template letter for industry members to send their representatives in Congress asking for tariff relief, sharing how these new tariffs are affecting your business, and supporting the retroactive authorization of GSP as well as congressional action on the removal of the de minimis threshold on all countries. Sharing data on the direct effects of tariffs on your company is extremely valuable.

PeopleForBikes is continuously engaging with members of Congress on our Trade Policy objectives.  We recently hosted an industry fly-in where executives from member companies met with congressional staff to make our concerns known and request action. Trade and tariffs were a major topic of discussion at our recent Bicycle Leadership Conference. We have also recently beefed up our staff in Washington, D.C., and will continue to use every opportunity to seek relief from the current tariff environment.

PeopleForBikes FAQ on Trump Administration Tariffs

From February 24–25, PeopleForBikes convened a small group of bicycle industry leaders in Washington, D.C, to advocate for our shared federal trade priorities before Congress. Executives from United Wheels, Specialized, Trek, and Hyper Bicycles joined PeopleForBikes’ policy team for a series of meetings with congressional offices and committees on both sides of the aisle.

Industry leaders shared how their companies and the broader bicycle industry are being negatively affected by the rapidly developing trade policies enacted by the Trump administration. Unless another last-minute reprieve is announced, most bicycles made in China will soon face a base duty of 11%, Section 301 tariffs of 25%, new tariffs of another 20%, and 25% tariffs in relation to Venezuelan oil imports for total import duties of 81% beginning as soon as April 2. With the new, additional duties, the total tariff on electric bicycles imported from China will have risen from zero (duty free) to 70% since June 2024.

READ THE LATEST INDUSTRY UPDATES ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARIFFS


The industry executives told congressional representatives that while their companies moved some manufacturing out of China to GSP-eligible nations to take advantage of duty-free import incentives, they have paid unanticipated tariffs since the program expired at the end of 2020. The costs of relocating, coupled with the additional capital needed to pay supplemental duties, have severely impacted many U.S. bike companies, which also suffered recent layoffs.

Another main topic of discussion is that because the de minimis threshold for goods imported into the United States is the highest in the world at $800, these same bicycle companies and retailers are unfairly forced to compete against foreign-based online sellers. Under de minimis, these foreign sellers can sell and ship bikes and electric bicycles to U.S. consumers without paying any tariffs, collect no sales taxes for states, and are held to no safety standards.  


PeopleForBikes will host multiple fly-ins to Washington D.C. throughout the rest of 2025 to advocate for the collective interests of the bicycle industry and introduce industry leaders to their representatives in Congress. If you are interested in attending a future fly-in, please contact PeopleForBikes Vice President of Government Relations Dr. Ash Lovell at ash@peopleforbikes.org for more information.

Industry Leaders Push for Tariff Relief and Trade Fairness During PeopleForBikes’ Fly-In in Washington, D.C.

On February 18, the Trump administration published Federal Register notices regarding the revised Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all countries. The unofficial, unpublished steel and aluminum tariff notices are currently available. These notices implement the administration's executive orders on the two tariff actions. Each notice includes an Annex listing all Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) tariff codes for articles and derivative articles of steel and aluminum subject to these tariffs. 

Members of the bike industry are advised to review the listings to determine whether any goods they import may soon be subject to additional tariffs when they go into effect on March 12, 2025.  Tariff collections on derivative articles will not begin until the Secretary of Commerce provides “public notification” that adequate systems are in place to collect the duties on these articles.

The good news for the bicycle industry: The primary HTSUS chapters for bicycles, electric bicycles, frames, forks, and bicycle components (8711, 8712, and 8714) are NOT listed in the Annex for steel or aluminum. Absent any further actions by the Administration, these products will not be subject to the additional 25% tariffs (but remain subject to all other tariffs, including applicable Section 301 tariffs).  

The bad news: Imported steel and aluminum used by domestic manufacturers, including PeopleForBikes member companies, will likely become more expensive. The tariff on the listed aluminum articles is being increased from 10% to 25%, and the revised Section 232 actions also end trade agreements that allowed lower-cost imports of steel and aluminum from some countries (including Canada). Similar to what happened in 2018, domestic metal producers will likely raise their prices to match the increased cost of imported metals due to the tariffs.

As a result of the Section 232 tariff actions, domestic metal producers will gain competitive advantages and higher margins, but domestic product manufacturers will face increased costs for the materials needed to make products and stand to lose even more ground against foreign competitors. The delay in implementing de minimis reform will further exacerbate those market inequities, at least in the short term. The recent announcement of plans for future "fair and reciprocal" tariffs on all goods from all countries could add yet another potentially substantial layer of additional costs to industry supply chains.

As the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association, PeopleForBikes advocates for pro-bike business policies and regulations at all levels of government. PeopleForBikes remains committed to advancing favorable trade policies on behalf of the bike industry, including retroactive authorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). This legislation has bipartisan support in Congress and PeopleForBikes will continue supporting its passage. 

As the trade landscape continues to evolve, it is critical that executives and leaders across the bicycle industry work with PeopleForBikes to support outcomes that benefit bicycling and the bike business. If you have questions about the tariffs, or you would like to discuss how to advocate effectively for your business, please contact PeopleForBikes Vice President of Government Relations Dr. Ash Lovell at ash@peopleforbikes.org for more information.

Bikes and E-Bikes Avoid New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

UPDATE: Unfortunately, recent trade actions by the federal government leave little good trade news for the bicycle industry. On Friday, May 24, 2024, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the fate of the Section 301 tariff exclusions scheduled to expire on May 31. All exclusions are briefly extended to midnight of June 14, 2024, as a “transition period.”


Exclusions for bicycle trailers and some bicycle helmets are extended to June 1, 2025. These exclusions are listed under Annex C in the USTR announcement. These exclusions are listed under Annex D of the announcement and include all HTS codes for children’s bicycles, electric bicycles, certain carbon fiber frames, and water packs. After June 14, these products will be subject to a 25% Section 301 tariff in addition to any base tariffs.

As the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association, PeopleForBikes is dedicated to promoting pro-bike trade policies that support bike businesses, keep Americans riding, and make bikes and bicycle products more accessible for everyone. We’re optimistic that the recent movement on trade policy in Congress (outlined below) will lead to a safer, stronger, and more robust future for the bike industry and bike riders nationwide thanks to the advocacy of our Coalition members and the leadership of champions on Capitol Hill. 

We’re optimistic that recent movement on trade policy in Congress (outlined below) will lead to a safer, stronger, and more robust future for the bike industry and bike riders nationwide thanks to the advocacy of our Coalition members and the leadership of champions on Capitol Hill.

Every major action on tariffs affects the bicycle industry. PeopleForBikes actively pushes for tariff exclusions, beneficial trade program renewals, and other policy reforms that create a more predictable and supportive culture of trade policy in Washington, D.C. We are proud to share our vision for U.S. trade policy with our members, policymakers, and partners in our new 2024 Trade Policy Agenda.


Read PeopleForBikes’ 2024 Trade Agenda 

Domestic trade policy for bicycles, electric bicycles, and bicycle products should support seven key principles to provide economic, environmental, and health benefits for Americans. These policies should:

Create Certainty: Fluctuations in U.S. trade policy limit investments in the future of the bike industry and harm consumers. Trade policies should foster stability so U.S. bike companies can plan their supply chains, align production with demand, invest in business expansion, hire new employees, and increase wages.

Provide a Fair Playing Field: Sudden tariff increases of 25-100% dramatically depress the economic success of the bike industry. Duties function no differently than changes to other cost inputs or taxes. When they increase, the companies paying those duties are less profitable. These cost increases unfairly select winners and losers and threaten the free market. 

Promote Domestic Economic Growth: Participation trends for the U.S. bicycle industry are strong and sales of electric bicycles are rising. Sound trade policy can promote that growth and the onshoring of bicycle assembly and production even further. Our economic policies should encourage and enable bike companies to invest more in U.S. bicycle production and support the thousands of small businesses — American bicycle dealers — serving our communities. Trade policies that unfairly favor foreign-based manufacturers and online retailers must end.

Leverage Opportunities to Achieve Climate Change Goals: Bicycling provides one of the most efficient solutions to reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Our trade and tax policies should recognize the potential of the bike to help achieve these goals.


Improve Public Health: Bicycling will not only help achieve environmental objectives, but also make Americans happier and healthier in the process. U.S. trade policy should align with national efforts to improve mental and physical well-being and reduce rising healthcare costs.

Increase Youth Participation: Young bike riders represent the future of the U.S. bike industry. Children’s bicycles and critical safety equipment must remain available and affordable for the long-term stability of the bike industry.

Encourage Investments in Developing Countries: The U.S. is a leader in helping other countries build stronger economic foundations. The bike industry can help America continue this legacy with policies that support investments in developing nations.

PeopleForBikes is advocating for a number of policy proposals that align with our principles and goals for U.S. trade policy, including: 

Reducing duties on bicycle components and raw materials, specifically Section 301 tariffs and Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs. 

A wholesale reduction or elimination of the de minimis shipment threshold for bicycles and bicycle accessories, including helmets and other highly regulated safety products.

The bipartisan Import Security and Fairness Act (H.R. 4148/S. 2004) from Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Senators Sherrod Brown (OH) and Marco Rubio (FL) would eliminate de minimis treatment for goods imported from non-market economies

A bicycle manufacturing and assembly onshoring incentive proposal from Rep. Blumenauer that would:

Temporarily remove tariffs on bicycle components imported for assembly 

Establish an electric bicycle production tax credit 

Provide businesses loans of up to $50 million to support investment in manufacturing for bicycles and electric bicycles

Extending the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill and renewing the Generalized System of Preferences.

On April 16, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on the Biden Administration’s 2024 Trade Agenda. In the USTR hearing, Congressman Mike Thompson, the incoming chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, asked Ambassador Tai about her agency’s plans regarding de minimis policy and specifically highlighted the threat of unsafe, untested bicycle helmets and electric bicycles entering the U.S. as a reason for reform. She responded that the USTR was looking for action and direction from Congress on this issue. 

On April 19, the committee held a markup to advance six pieces of legislation related to trade with China. The committee advanced legislation related to de minimis and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). PeopleForBikes supports this effort to renew GSP and reform de minimis policy, which could save the bicycle industry millions in retroactive duties if signed into law. 

The GSP bill would reinstate duty relief retroactively to December 31, 2020, and importers would be able to apply for the refund of all duties paid that otherwise would have been reduced or eliminated under GSP had it remained in place. The bill also imposes additional factors for countries to remain eligible for the GSP program and increases the rules of origin requirement for local inputs from 35% to 50% by 2031.

The de minimis bill is somewhat limited and would remove de minimis treatment only:

Where "merchandise covered by a single order or contract is forwarded in separate lots to secure the benefit of such subsection”

"With respect to any article that is subject to duties or other import restrictions" under Section 301 tariffs or other trade actions (potentially including the pending aluminum extrusion trade action)

PeopleForBikes will continue to support sound trade policy that advances the goals and needs of the bicycle industry. We’ll weigh in on these policies as they move through the legislative process and ensure our members stay updated and aware of any changes in policy that could affect their businesses. 

Advocating for a Pro-Bike Federal Trade Agenda

From trade to consumer product regulations, federal policymakers are taking a closer look at policy options to protect the import, sale, and ownership of quality electric bicycles in the United States. As the nation’s only trade association for the bicycle industry, PeopleForBikes is committed to advancing strong policies and regulations to protect consumers and our members across the bicycle supply chain. New proposals before Congress and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) could lead us to a future where consumers and riders don’t have to worry about whether the helmet or electric bicycle they’re purchasing meets applicable testing standards designed to help keep them safe.

We’ve already written about the CPSC’s comment period for electric bicycles and our goals for setting federal standards for e-bikes. The other side of the coin is how potentially unsafe products that don’t meet these standards are able to get through our ports and entry systems and into the hands of American consumers. Keeping the public safe from such products is, or should be, the most basic function of our national trade policy. 

Thanks to bicycling’s biggest advocate in Congress, Bike Caucus Founder and Co-chair Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-04) — as well as his colleagues Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-17) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) — the newly reintroduced Import Security and Fairness Act (H.R. 4148/S. 2004) would end “de minimis” treatment for goods imported from China and Russia. 

Before diving into what that means for bikes, it’s important to understand what de minimis means: most countries set a de minimis threshold to allow small dollar imports to bypass duties. In order to reduce the administrative burden of collecting tariffs for small shipments, almost every country specifies a de minimis amount for which tariffs and duties are not collected. Specifically, the U.S. defines the de minimis threshold as follows:

De minimis provides admission of articles free of duty and of any tax imposed on or by reason of importation, but the aggregate fair retail value in the country of shipment of articles imported by one person on one day and exempted from the payment of duty shall not exceed $800 (Section 321, 19 USC 1321).

In 2016, President Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. This law significantly raised the value of a shipment of merchandise that may be imported free of duty from $200 to $800. While this change may have made sense for the international traveler returning with some items from a trip abroad, it failed to consider the impact on direct online sales to U.S. consumers from foreign sellers. This law has had the unintended consequence of rapidly shifting purchases formerly made from American retailers to foreign online sellers, making those purchases duty-free and thus allowing them to avoid the formal customs entry process whereby incoming goods are monitored and inspected by various government agencies, including the CPSC. 

Most countries set these de minimis amounts at much lower levels than the current U.S. amount. Subject to fluctuations in exchange rates, Canada sets the level at $15, Mexico at $100, Japan at $90, South Korea at $150, and the European Union at $170. The de minimis duty-free import level for China is less than $10. While our prior level of $200 was comparable to these trading partners, the increase to $800 vastly exceeds these global norms. 

The increase in the de minimis threshold provides a clear competitive advantage for foreign retailers of consumer goods. Customers can shop online from internationally based retailers or manufacturers, which openly advertise the fact that tariffs are not collected on shipments below $800, and buy products duty-free. In essence, the law enables foreign businesses to set artificially low prices by avoiding tariffs on goods that would be collected if imported by U.S. businesses and sold domestically. This is especially true of bicycles, many e-bikes, and other bicycle products, the vast majority of which are valued at less than $800.

PeopleForBikes has been advocating for a lower domestic de minimis threshold since it was increased in 2016 and outlined the issue as a priority in our 2021 Trade Agenda. The sponsors of the newly proposed Import Security and Fairness Act introduced the bill to limit the import of products made with forced labor, intellectual property theft, and otherwise dangerous goods. 

So, how does this trade loophole connect back to electric bicycle safety?

Many powered micromobility products and replacement lithium ion batteries involved in the fires that have damaged New York City are imported directly to consumers from foreign sellers because they cost less than $800, therefore falling under the de minimis threshold. These products are cheaper than quality, safe electric bicycles and other powered micromobility products because they do not undergo or meet any third-party testing requirements. 

Moreover, because these foreign sellers may be beyond the reach of U.S. courts, they are largely able to avoid legal liability to their international consumers. Should the Import Security and Fairness Act be signed into law, or Congress otherwise agrees to lower the de minimis threshold, these unsafe, untested products would face more scrutiny on import and shippers would be required to pay any applicable duties.

The next step to increase consumer safety would be the adoption of new CPSC regulations to create clear standards for all lithium ion batteries used in mobility devices, including e-bikes, that currently avoid scrutiny under de minimis. The best way to protect the public from untested and unsafe lithium ion batteries is to be able to identify and turn them away at the border before they enter the United States.

This one-two punch of federal policy and trade and consumer product safety working together would help ensure that the e-mobility products that Americans need and want are as safe as possible. It would also shift the economic benefit from selling these products back to responsible manufacturers and retailers in the United States. This would be a big win for the government, the economy, and consumers alike.

What You Should Know About E-Bike Battery Certification

PeopleForBikes Supports NYC Council Legislation on Electric Bicycles and Lithium Ion Batteries

New Battery Safety Bills Land in Congress

Federal Policy Moves for Safer Batteries and E-Bikes

On December 16, 2022, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a nine-month extension on 352 Section 301 tariffs exclusions. The exclusions were previously extended on March 23, 2022, and were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2022. The latest extensions will last through September 30, 2023. These extensions cover numerous categories of bicycles including all children’s bikes and some electric bicycles. We estimate these extensions will cover products worth more than $370 million in annual import value and could save the bike industry approximately $100 million in duty payments. 

Bicycle products covered by this exclusion reinstatement include the following items. Applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings are provided for clarity:

Kids’ bikes with less than 20" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1510.

Kids’ and BMX bikes with 20" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1520.

Kids’ and BMX bikes with 24" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1550.

Electric motorcycles of 1,000 watts or less, classified in HTS 8711.60.0050 or 8711.60.0090 (this applies to many electric bicycles).

Certain adult bicycles with a drive belt and hub gearing, classified in HTS 8712.00.2500.

Certain adult single-speed bicycles, classified in HTS 8712.00.2500.

Certain adult bicycles equipped with three speeds and coaster brakes, classified in HTS 8712.00.3500.

Carbon fiber bicycle frames valued at $600 or less, classified in HTS 8714.91.3000.

Certain helmets, classified in HTS 6506.10.6045.

Certain bicycle trailers, classified in HTS 8716.40.0000.

Certain messenger bags, backpacks, hydration packs, and duffel bags, classified in HTS 4202.12.8130, 4202.92.0400, 4202.92.3120, 4202.92.3131.

For members of the bike industry, please check with your trade counsel and customs broker to verify the eligibility of your products for these exclusions.

The USTR granted these extensions to avoid impacts on affected industries while it determines whether or not to extend Section 301 tariffs as part of a required four-year review process. The review process includes a period for public comment submissions that will remain open until January 17, 2023. 

This announcement is yet another in a series of positive results from a concerted and ongoing effort by PeopleForBikes and the bike industry to obtain relief from the Section 301 tariffs. 

PeopleForBikes is currently leading industry efforts to submit comments in opposition to the continuation of Section 301 tariffs on bicycles, electric bicycles, bicycle components, and accessories such as trailers, lights, and helmets. For more information or assistance with comment submission, please contact PeopleForBikes’ Policy Counsel, Matt Moore, at matt@peopleforbikes.org. 

Stay updated on our trade and tariff page and on Twitter @pfbpolicy for the latest breaking policy news. 

U.S. Bicycle Industry to Save Additional $100 Million in Extended Tariff Exclusions

New, retroactive Section 301 tariff exclusions mark a big win for the bike industry.

On March 23, 2022, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced new, retroactive Section 301 tariff exclusions, including nearly every eligible bike product exclusion we pursued as an industry. 

The exclusions will be in effect for products imported between Oct. 12, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2022. We estimate these exclusions cover products worth more than $600 million in annual import value. This action could save the bike industry at least $160 million in duty payments, likely more. 

— Kids’ bikes - less than 20" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1510.

— Kids’ and BMX bikes - 20" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1520.

— Kids’ and BMX bikes - 24" wheels, classified in HTS 8712.00.1550.

— Electric motorcycles of 1,000 watts or less, classified in HTS 8711.60.0050 or 8711.60.0090 (this applies to many electric bicycles).

— Certain adult bicycles with a drive belt and hub gearing, classified in HTS 8712.00.2500.

— Certain adult single-speed bicycles, classified in HTS 8712.00.2500.

— Certain adult bicycles equipped with three-speeds and coaster brakes, classified in HTS 8712.00.3500.

— Carbon fiber bicycle frames valued at $600 or less, classified in HTS 8714.91.3000.

— Certain helmets, classified in HTS 6506.10.6045.

— Certain bicycle trailers, classified in HTS 8716.40.0000.

— Certain messenger bags, backpacks, hydration packs and duffel bags, classified in HTS 4202.12.8130, 4202.92.0400, 4202.92.3120, 4202.92.3131.

We encourage you to check with your trade counsel and customs broker to verify the eligibility of your products

All but one eligible product for the bicycle industry were reinstated: saddles, unfortunately, were not included in this round. This announcement is the result of a concerted effort by PeopleForBikes and the bike industry dating back to the beginning of Section 301 tariffs. 

PeopleForBikes called for sweeping Section 301 relief in our 2021 Trade Agenda and maintained constant pressure on Capitol Hill, conveying the importance of this issue to our industry. Alongside many bike companies, we maximized opportunities through USTR’s various administrative processes. This result would not be possible without years of united work and engagement at every step of the exclusion process.

PeopleForBikes will continue to fight for the extension of these exclusions and full tariff relief for the bike industry. Stay updated on our trade and tariff page and on Twitter @pfbpolicy for the latest breaking policy news. 

USTR Announces Long-Sought Tariff Relief for Bikes

Alix Armour, head of sustainability at Super73, and Troy Jones, social and environmental responsibility manager at Specialized, serve as co-chairs on the Supply Chain and Social and Environmental Responsibility track within PeopleForBikes’ Sustainability Working Group.

The word sustainability usually conjures images of the environment, materials and recycling, not necessarily supply chain outcomes from social inequalities and environmental risks. These issues, beneath the surface of the sustainability conversation, include safety and the status of foreign migrant workers, child labor, codes of conduct, conflict minerals, environmental performance improvement, legal and regulatory compliance, transparency, management systems and diversity in suppliers. 

Immense challenges like these make up the core discussion of the Supply Chain and Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) track within PeopleForBikes’ Sustainability Working Group (SWG). The track meets quarterly, bringing together leaders from across the bike industry interested in learning from one another on how to tackle these big issues of supply chain and SER. 

Figuring out how to get your company started can be daunting, but the work is critical — consider it risk management for your brand. Startups and 50+ year old companies have very different business models, processes and work capacities, and as co-chairs, we bring both experiences to the conversation. As passionate supply chain and sustainability professionals, we’re not wasting time getting to the hot topics. We’ve tackled such themes with PeopleForBikes members that have both close to zero and decades of experience. 

Our first initiative was to invite different supply chain SER service providers to review their tools and techniques bike companies can use to measure and track SER performance metrics. This helped give members who were new to the concept an idea of the existing methods and practices available to evaluate SER for a wide range of needs and company sizes. We also spent time discussing codes of conduct, what difficulties our members are encountering internally and externally, as well as bringing in diverse speakers to offer new perspectives on SER to our discussions.

SER service providers can simplify due diligence by providing elaborate supplier questionnaires, in-factory audits, tracking platforms, risk analysis, legal council and more. While incredibly effective, they do come at a cost. 

People for Bikes

Trade and Tariff Resource Hub

PeopleForBikes at Work on Trade and Tariff Resource Hub

News

Bike Industry Updates on New Trump Administration Tariffs

End to De Minimis Shipments Signed into Law

PeopleForBikes Applauds Bipartisan Legislation to Boost U.S. Bicycle Assembly and Manufacturing

PeopleForBikes FAQ on Trump Administration Tariffs

Industry Leaders Push for Tariff Relief and Trade Fairness During PeopleForBikes’ Fly-In in Washington, D.C.

Bikes and E-Bikes Avoid New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Advocating for a Pro-Bike Federal Trade Agenda

Federal Policy Moves for Safer Batteries and E-Bikes

U.S. Bicycle Industry to Save Additional $100 Million in Extended Tariff Exclusions

USTR Announces Long-Sought Tariff Relief for Bikes

Factoring Social and Environmental Responsibility Into Your Supply Chain

PeopleForBikes Pushes for Trade Policy Relief

How Movement on Trade Policy Is Affecting the Bike Industry

Proposed Tariff Increases Mean Bad News for E-bikes

PeopleForBikes Responds to Tariff Announcement and Timetable

Amidst Trade War, Some Good News on Tariffs

PeopleForBikes is Advancing a Pro-Bike Trade Agenda in Washington, D.C. in 2021

Section 301 Tariff Investigation

Tariff relief for kids’ bikes – a big win for young riders, family budgets and the bike industry

People for Bikes