A Three Billion USD Trade Deficit Remains, While Imports Fail to Reach Pre-Crisis Levels

The U.S. dominates in global imports of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts, accounting for a 12% share (based on USD). Germany (9%), France (5%), the Netherlands (5%), and Japan (5%) followed. In 2015, U.S. imports of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts totaled 5,377 million USD, which was 206 million USD (+4%) higher than the year before.

U.S. motorcycle, bicycle, and parts imports showed mixed dynamics from 2007 to 2015. A significant decline in 2009 spilled over to 2010, when imports fell by another -6%. The recovery started in 2011, and rapid growth continued in 2012. Imports decreased again in 2013 and have remained at that general level in the recent three years. Overall, there was an annual decline of -0.8% throughout the analysed period.

Despite a considerable increase in 2012-2015, imports failed to reach the peak level of 2008.

The U.S. continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for overseas suppliers, despite fierce competition. China was the dominant supplier of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts into the U.S., with a 35% share of total U.S. imports in 2015. Japan came in second place with a 17% share, followed by Germany (5%) and Thailand (5%). China (+5.1% per year) and Germany were the fastest growing suppliers (+11.0% per year) from 2007 to 2015. China significantly strengthened its position in the U.S. import structure, from 22% in 2007 to 35% in 2015. By contrast, Japan saw its share reduced from 46% to 17%.

From 2007 to 2015, the U.S. was a net importer of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts. However, the average decline in imports was more pronounced than the average decline in exports over the period under review.

Net US imports of motorcycles, bicycles, and parts showed several fluctuations over the period from 2007 to 2015, following the dynamics of imports, as exports stood at relatively stable levels. In 2015, this industry ran a significant trade deficit of 3,241 billion USD, which stood at approximately 60% of gross imports.

Source: U.S. Motorcycle, Bicycle, And Parts Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2020