Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA), has called for examining minimum import prices for electric bicycles from China, alongside greater attention to European component manufacturing and supply chains.

In his October 15, 2026, Europa-Info newsletter, Lange, a German member of the European Parliament from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, suggested considering a minimum-price arrangement similar to the approach being discussed for hybrid cars. No specific price threshold or legal mechanism has been outlined, and the European Commission has not announced a corresponding legislative proposal.

The EU extended its anti-dumping and countervailing duties on electric bicycles originating in China for another five years in January 2025. The main anti-dumping duty rates range from 10.3% to 70.1%, while countervailing duties range from 3.9% to 17.2%. Applicable rates depend on the manufacturer and the relevant legal provisions.

Lange cited China’s annual bicycle production capacity of up to 80 million units, nearly 40 times Germany’s output, and argued that government subsidies can distort competition. The production comparison covers bicycles in general, not electric bicycles specifically. He also acknowledged China’s technological progress in bicycle manufacturing and e-bike drive systems.

Beyond finished bicycles, Lange called for greater attention to the manufacturing of components and the wider value chain, including motors, drive systems, frames and batteries. He cited Hamburg-based electric cargo bike manufacturer Yoonit, which deliberately uses European-made components, as an example of European manufacturing.

According to the European Commission, the EU electric bicycle industry directly employs approximately 12,000 people. Lange argued that tariffs alone cannot secure the industry’s future, emphasizing innovation, product quality and conditions that support manufacturing investment.

An INTA delegation is scheduled to visit Beijing and Shanghai from October 26 to 30, 2026, to continue dialogue with Chinese counterparts. It has not been confirmed whether minimum import prices for e-bikes will be included on the delegation’s official agenda.

The minimum-price mechanism remains a proposal raised by Lange, with no announced legislative timetable or detailed implementation framework.

Photo: 2eu.brussels