Chinese electric bicycles have faced increased tariffs when entering the European market since 2019. The German bicycle industry, represented by the ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband), believes these tariffs are not enough to counter what it sees as unfair trade practices from China. In a position paper released on October 7, the ZIV urged the European Union to apply trade rules more strictly, calling China a "systemic competitor." The association supports open trade but insists that existing rules must be consistently enforced. According to ZIV market data, China is the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, producing between 70 and 80 million units annually—far more than Germany's output of about 2 million units. The ZIV says the pressure on the European market has grown, first affecting components and more recently complete bicycles, as China has become the leading supplier of electric bicycles in Europe. The association attributes this to long-term industrial policies in China, which include favorable financing, tax reductions, and subsidies for local companies. The European Commission has noted that prices for essential components such as motors and batteries from China do not always match market prices. The ZIV also points to the 14th Five-Year Plan of the Chinese Bicycle Association, a state-affiliated organization, which aims to make the Chinese bicycle industry "the dominant power on the international market" by 2035. Anti-dumping duties and compensatory duties, designed to offset the effects of public subsidies, have been applied to complete electric bicycles from China since 2019. These duties were extended for five years in January 2025. Anti-dumping duties range from 10.3% to 70.1%, and compensatory duties from 3.9% to 17.2%. However, the ZIV says these duties have limitations due to the complexity of supply chains and can be circumvented. The association is calling for an extension of anti-dumping measures at the component level and is advocating for more advanced technical regulations and stronger European coalitions. The ZIV also highlights a climate argument, stating that manufacturing bicycles and electric bicycles in China results in a carbon footprint 52 to 66% higher than European production. However, European manufacturers do not currently gain an economic advantage from this. The association suggests origin labeling or a "Made in Europe" initiative to highlight the environmental and quality benefits of European production. Burkhard Stork, CEO of the ZIV, emphasized the need to create fair competition where quality and responsibility, not just subsidies, determine market success. However, the ZIV acknowledges that new tariffs could lead to higher selling prices or fewer affordable models, as European manufacturers largely rely on Chinese frames and components. No decisions have been made yet, and the ZIV is asking the European Union and the German government to consider these options.