The demand for bicycles has been increasing every year in the global markets. Considering health issues on the one hand and environmental friendliness on the other – these two reasons bicycles are gaining popularity among the people around the world, especially in European countries. About 2 million bicycles are sold every year in European Union countries alone.

In this regard, the bicycles made in Bangladesh are gradually taking a strong position in the world market.  Even a decade ago, bicycles had to be imported to meet the country’s demand.  But now that picture has changed. The export of bicycles from the country is increasing year by year.

Many companies manufacture bicycles in Bangladesh including RFL Group, Meghna Group, German-Bangla, Alita Ltd., North Bengal, Ace Bicycle Ltd., Transworld Bicycle Company, Siraj Bicycle Ltd. etc.

RFL and Meghna Group produce more bicycles in Bangladesh.  RFL started marketing the bicycle under the name ‘Duranto’ in 2014.  In a very short time, the bicycle ‘Duranto’ gained great popularity in the country’s market.  Currently, there are various types of bicycles produced by RFL including; Try, Kids, Junior, Adult, MTV, Ladies, Traditional, and E-bike etc. Besides meeting the needs of the local market, the bicycles manufactured by this company are currently being exported to 10 countries including England, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Austria and Belgium

RFL manufactures bicycles of famous brands like Argos, Sports direct, Taurus and Tandem of England, School of Germany and Asian Nordic of Denmark. Apart from bicycles, some bicycle components including frames, forks, tires, tubes are also being exported.  RFL is currently focusing on E-bikes.

There are mainly three companies exporting bicycles from Bangladesh.  These are RFL, Meghna, and Alita Bangladesh Limited (a foreign bicycle manufacturer located in Chittagong EPZ). Alita Bangladesh Limited mainly produces mountain trucking bicycles, the factory has the capacity to produce 240,000 pieces of bicycles per year. 98% percent of the bicycles produced are exported to Europe.70% of which is exported to UK.  The company manufactures bicycles for European brands like; Halfords, Rees Cycles Limited and Monty Bikes.

In terms of exports from Bangladesh, bicycles are notable among the many industries that have hit the shelves in the last few years.  The export of bicycles from Bangladesh has increased continuously in the last few years.  Bangladeshi bicycles are now very popular in various European countries.  Bicycle designs are sent to Bangladeshi companies from different European countries.  Then the bicycles are made according to that design and exported to the prescribed buyers.

According to Eurostat data, Bangladesh now ranks third among the 27 European Union countries in bicycle exports.  Bangladesh ranks eighth in bicycle exports in the world.  80% of exported bicycles go to European Union countries.  The rest goes to India, United States, United Arab Emirates, Australia and other countries.

Quoting experts, the European Bicycles Federation said that by 2030, 30 million bicycles will be sold in Europe every year.  That is, 10 million more will be sold than what is being sold now.

According to the data of the Export Development Bureau of Bangladesh, bicycles worth 142.24 billion dollars were exported from Bangladesh in the last fiscal year 2022-2023.  It’s expected that in the next 10 years, Bangladeshi bicycles will take over the entire European market like ready-made garments.