Bicycles market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch bicycle market volume grew from 1.8 million units in 2018 to 2.8 million in 2021. This expansion was primarily driven by the national 'Programma Fiets' (2019-2022), which introduced financial incentives like tax-free commuting allowances, and the launch of the favorable 'fiets van de zaak' company bicycle tax scheme with a 7% addition rate in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic further increased cycling demand in 2020, though supply chain issues began to limit availability.

Market volume halved to 1.3 million units in 2022 and fell further to 868 000 in 2023. This sharp contraction was caused by severe global supply chain disruptions and consequent price increases, which constrained product availability and reduced consumer purchases. High average prices, especially for e-bikes which maintained over a 56% market share, contributed to the downturn.

A partial recovery to 947 000 units occurred in 2024. This was supported by the preliminary implementation of EU Directive 2022/542, which introduced reduced VAT rates for bicycles and e-bikes, improving affordability. The sector's employment grew by 42% since 2018, reflecting underlying industry resilience.

Production bicycles in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands' bicycle production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 291.2 million US dollars, representing a modest 4.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 47.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Bicycle production in the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 327.2 thousand units were produced, which is 1.1% less than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 57.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

Exports bicycles from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K unit

After a two-year decline, bicycle exports from the Netherlands increased. In 2021, export volume stood at 1 170 thousand units, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 168 thousand units, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

The market base for exports in kind from 2018 to 2021 was broad. Germany accounted for 23.5% of exports in kind, Belgium for 15.5%, and France for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented just 49.7% of total flows, with the remaining 50.3% shared among numerous other nations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Bicycle deliveries from the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the Netherlands exported 975.5 million US dollars worth of bicycles, up by 13.2% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 31.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms of bicycles from the Netherlands were not concentrated on a few key markets. Germany accounted for 20.7% of exports in value terms, Belgium for 16.4%, and France for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports bicycles to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K unit

Bicycle imports into the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 3 594 thousand units, indicating a 2.5% advance compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 60.2%, equating to an annualized increase of 17.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K unit

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the largest supplier of bicycles to the Netherlands, accounting for 50.4% of imports in kind. China followed with 10.8%, and Czechia with 5.9%. Together, these three countries formed 67.1% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands' volume of bicycle imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the Netherlands imported a total of 895.1 million US dollars worth of bicycles, amounting to a substantial 13.9% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 51.7%, equating to an annualized increase of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the principal destination for imports in value terms, accounting for 42.9%. Asia, not elsewhere specified, followed with 20.1%, and China with 7.7%. Together, these three sources jointly accounted for 70.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021