Italian bike industry meets to discuss Chinese threat

The meeting had been called by Moreno Fioravanti of Vuelta, Andrea Carraro of Carraro Cicli and Pietro Boselli of Safety Bicycle.

Present at the hotel venue were executives from Ambrosio, Michelin, Isca, Ofmega, Grimeca, Saccon, Shimano, Cinzia, Roger, Esperia, Bianchi, Olmo, Dino, Bassano, Denver, Cicli Adriatica, and San Marco.

There were pro-dumping tariff talks from Fioravanti, Carraro and Brian Montgomery of the Paris-based European Bicycle Manufacturers Association.

Montgomery said a "huge and growing proportion" of the world consumption of bicycles is being supplied by Chinese manufacturers. He warned the domestic Italian cycle manufacturing industry could go the same way as the domestic USA bicycle manufacturing industry.

"The gravity of the situation for Italy, and for the EU, if the anti-dumping duties on China are not renewed, is immense," said Montgomery.

"Clearly, if bikes are not made in Europe then the local parts makers can fold up their tents. No parts orders can be expected from China."

Montgomery called for lobbying of important political and administration individuals, so pressure was kept up to renew dumping duties.

A committee was drawn from those present at the meeting to enable this lobbying.