Early Year Surge for Bike Imports

Melbourne, Victoria

Bicycle imports to Australia hit record levels during the first three months of 2022, with an estimated 381,126 bikes brought into the country during what is traditionally a quiet period.

Figures release this month by Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) show imports for the recently concluded quarter were easily the highest for the first three months of any year.
It was a 12.37% rise from the corresponding period in 2021 (339,181), which had also been a record.

“Sales for the start of this year have been more on par with what our industry would consistently do for the next two quarters,” BIA general manager Peter Bourke said.
Much of that increase was driven by adult bikes, with 276, 226 imported during the first three months of 2022 compared to 236,027 for the same period in 2021.
Peter said the new record was largely due to the industry working to restock to recover from ongoing supply issues.

While shipping constraints and other supply issues were continuing to impede the flow of stock, the shortfalls were being partially overcome by increased production from many manufacturers.

“The import figures really are being dictated by how much suppliers are actually able to provide. Retailers still have huge amounts of stock still on order,” Peter explained.
“For example, SRAM has substantially increased production. They will have a 300-day lead time on what used to be a 90-day lead time but they are pushing out much more product.”

Superannuation

BIA recently issued a reminder to employers about superannuation changes from 1st July, including the need to pay employees aged under 18 if they work more than 30 hours a week.
Superannuation updates also include a rise in the Superannuation Guarantee rate from 10% of ordinary time earnings to 10.5%.

Click here for further information about superannuation for under 18s and the Superannuation Guarantee rate.