Price Cuts

[djnotts]

Not sure why differential tariff treatment for folders v non-folders (other than to benefit Brompton!), but cheap end of e-bike market about to get even "cheaper".

"7 February 2025
A government decision to scrap tariffs on Chinese e-bikes coming into the UK has been described as a "kick in the teeth for British manufacturing".

Border taxes were imposed on Chinese e-bikes following Brexit, keeping the UK in line with the EU, but the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has accepted a recommendation to lift them on non-folding e-bikes from Friday.

The Trade Remedies Authority, the body responsible for reviewing tariffs, said the move allowing cheaper Chinese imports could save consumers £200.

But UK-based companies have called the decision "strange" saying it's a blow at a "very scary time" for the industry.

British based e-bike companies expressed concerns about the impact of a potential "flood" of cheap Chinese e-bikes entering the UK." (BBC News)

[PH]

Not sure why differential tariff treatment for folders v non-folders (other than to benefit Brompton!), but cheap end of e-bike market about to get even "cheaper".

I don't know if it'll make much difference at the cheap end of the market, how much are those sub £1,000 bikes being imported for? Considering £170 of a £1,000 sale is VAT and the retailer has costs and hopes to make a profit, I'd be surprised in the import price was more than £500. So dropping the 25% tariff reduces the retail price on a £1,000 bike by £125. I don't see that as a deal maker or breaker.
I haven't seen the detail, but I'd be surprised if the trade agreement was an open door that permitted dumping at below cost. The EU has such a clause in their agreement, the tariff can increase to 70% where dumping is evident.