Philippine Outdoor Recreation
Biking and other outdoor non-contact sports are increasingly popular among all age groups. Sporting goods and specialty bike shops have sprouted up across Manila to cater to the increasing demand, especially during the Covid pandemic. Currently, China dominates the market with 89.7% share, followed by Japan and Malaysia with 5.6% and 2.7%, respectively. Popular bike brands include Trinx, Specialized, Giant, Foxter, and LaPierre. Recognized components and accessories brands present are OneUp, SCRAM, SRAM, Fox, and Bengal.
Local government units such as Pasig and Davao City have allocated budgets to add bike lanes and extended sidewalks to cater to the growing biking community. Data from the Philippine Bureau of Customs and the National Economic Development Authority reported that bicycle imports soared to 112% to 2.1 million units in 2020 compared to the 1 million bicycle units in 2019.
Celeste Bikes, a 33-year-old specialty bike shop with 500 dealers nationwide, has seen an increase in demand for high-end bikes prices in the $600 to $10,000 price range. Niche bicycle manufacturers can look to partner with smaller specialty shops like Celeste Bikes and Dan’s Bikes as they cater to hobbyists.
Mountain bikes are also gaining popularity and according to BikeMap, there are 43,019 cycling routes and more than 932k miles of mapped mountain bike trails to explore. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and Malolos City, Bulacan recently opened bike trails to encourage tourists to visit their provinces. Popular mountain bike brands include Foxter, Crolan, Trinx, Santa Cruz, and SAVA. Recognized components and accessories brands present are Buzzrack, Cateye, Rockbros, Fabric, and Zefal. Mountain bike hobbyists have also created social groups like Mountain Bikers Association of the Philippines and South Davao Mountain Riders.
U.S. manufacturers looking to enter the Philippine market should find a local distributor with a strong nationwide network. Outdoor specialty shops like Decathlon, R.O.X., and Toby’s Sports are popular throughout the Philippines.
Bike and Cycling Associations
1. National Bicycle Organization
Contact: Benedict Camara
Website: https://nationalbicycle.org.ph/
2. Cycling Matters
Website: https://www.cyclingmatters.ph/
3. Philippine Cycling Network
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philippinecyclingnetwork/
4. Mountain Bikers Association of the Philippines
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mountain-Bikers-Association-Of-The-Philippines-418880628446258/
5. South Davao Mountain Riders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1446220368959067/2319409631640132/
Regional Trade Show
ASEANBike
Dates: TBD, last show was held from October 3-5, 2019
Website: https://www.asean-bike.com/
For more information, contact Commercial Specialist Katrina Domingo at katrina.domingo@trade.gov.