CONCERN over the future of UK e-bike manufacturing has prompted Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse, to call for government action to support small and medium-sized businesses following the removal of anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports.

Back in February, the Government announced it had accepted a recommendation from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) to revoke anti-dumping tariffs on non-folding Chinese e-bikes of between 10.3% and 70.1%, and taxes designed to counteract subsidies of 3.9% to 17.2%.

The move has been met with widespread alarm from small and medium-sized UK manufacturers, who fear the influx of cheaper Chinese imports could undermine their ability to compete.

During a recent exchange in Parliament (July 17) with Gareth Thomas, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Mrs Hobhouse asked the Minister to meet with industry representatives and ensure the voices of UK cycle manufacturers are heard.

The Bath MP said that many of these businesses now fear that navigating the trade investigation process will be complicated and leave them vulnerable to unfair competition, especially as similar duties on standard bikes and parts are now also under review.

In response, Mr Thomas confirmed that the government is aware of the concerns of UK cycle manufacturers and stated that some anti-dumping measures have been extended until 2029. He also pledged to meet with the Bath MP and industry representatives to discuss their concerns further.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, said:“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it’s essential that we protect them. While the Minister has assured me that some anti-dumping measures will remain in place until 2029, these only apply to folding e-bikes. However, non-folding e-bikes make up approximately 95% of the UK’s e-bike market.”