It is not the first time that the bicycle industry in South-East Asia is accused of illegal labour practices. - Photo Shutterstock
Taiwan

LeMonde paints grim picture of bicycle industry in Taiwan

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Any frequent visitor of bicycle industry factories in Taiwan, has seen that a lot of the workers come from countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia. Often the signing in the factories is multi-lingual to facilitate the foreign workers. In a recent publication, LeMonde Diplomatique reports that they have found indicators of forced labour according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), particularly in the Taiwan bicycle industry.

E-bike production in Taiwan slowed considerably in 2024 as exports volumes show. - Photo Bike EuropeSubscribers only
Subscribers only
Market Report

Subscribers only Taiwanese e-bike exports drop 47% in 2024

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwan exported 47% less e-bikes across 2024, the preliminary custom statistics show. With just under 365,000 units leaving the nation's shores in a year, this is the lowest volume since 2018. The export value also dropped 43% year-on-year meaning the economic ramifications must still be being felt throughout the supply chain.

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Shows & Events

Sponsored Experience the future of cycling at 2025 Taipei Cycle

The Taipei Cycle Show returns from March 26 to 29, 2025, at halls 1 and 2 of the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Recognized as a leading B2B event in the cycling industry, the show is expected to host 950 companies from 35 countries, occupying 3,600 booths. It remains a key meeting point for high-end bicycle supply chains, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

In Memoriam: Pacific Cycles President Michael Lin (here at his booth at Taipei Cycle Show). – Photo Jo Beckendorff
People

Industry mourns the loss of Pacific Cycles president Michael Lin

TAOYUAN, Taiwan - Taiwan's specialty bike manufacturer Pacific Cycles Inc., is having to deal with great sadness. On 9 January, president Michael Lin passed away peacefully at the age of just 57.

Since assuming the role of Chairperson in 2017, Bonnie Tu has driven the group's digital transformation and strategically established manufacturing facilities in Hungary and Vietnam. - Photo Giant
People

Giant Group appoints new management team as Bonnie Tu retires

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Giant Group will start 2025 with a new executive leadership team following the announcement that long-standing chairperson Bonnie Tu will officially retire. The Group's board of directors has approved the appointment of current CEO Young Liu as the new Chairman. The current chief branding officer Phoebe Liu has been promoted to CEO. These changes will take effect January 1, 2025.

How can the Taiwanese industry sustain the financial losses it has accrued in 2024? - Photo Bike EuropeSubscribers only
Subscribers only
Market trends

Subscribers only Taiwan on course for €500 mln e-bike export value loss

TAIPEI, Taiwan - The fact that the Taiwanese supply chain has struggled during 2024 is fully evident in the latest custom statistics. In Q3, the island nation exported around 75,000 e-bike units, a 44% drop compared to 2023. E-bike exports to the EU specifically dropped 55% to a mere 34,000 units between July and September. Most significantly, the country is on course to see its export value drop half a billion euros this year in total.

  1. Giant Group setting ESG standards with DJSI index listing
  2. Ideal Bike on successful loss reduction course despite revenue drop
  3. Merida revenue recovers but profit lags behind
  4. 950 exhibitors commit as Taipei Cycle 2025 becomes fully booked
  5. Is Taichung Bike Week future proof?
  6. Kind Shock explores new markets with wireless dropper seat post
  7. Glory Wheel expands global strategy with Spank and Fratelli acquisitions
  8. Market uncertainty persists at opening day of Taichung Bike Week
  9. Microshift sets up 5G smart production lines
  10. Subscribers onlyTaiwan e-bike exports to key European markets under pressure
  11. Merida takes over distributor Merida & Centurion Germany
  12. Giant Group receives prestigious environmental protection award
  13. Cowboy raises €5 million in new investment round
  14. Ideal Bike on the road to recovery after restructuring financial losses
  15. Market still in doubt in run up to Taichung Bike Week
  1. TransArt decals make assembly process more cost-efficient
  2. Giant Group consolidated revenue down 12.6% in first half of 2024
  3. Merida halts decline and reports increased turnover in second quarter
  4. BP subsidiary Castrol invests in electric two-wheelers with new acquisition
  5. Darfon takes-over German e-bike distributor Grofa
  6. Subscribers onlyDrop in Taiwan e-bike exports stabilising
  7. Pacific Cycles breaks ground on third factory in Taiwan
  8. Ideal Bike faces harsh revenue decline in Q1
  9. Merida Q1 figures show bicycle producers continue to struggle
  10. Light at the end of the tunnel for Giant Group's revenue decline
  11. AcerMPS launches mid-motor for cargo and mtb's
  12. C-Tech develops cargobike, but from a different angle
  13. Shifting gears: Europe's new standard for e-cargo bikes
  14. Sunny Wheel develops mirror for cargobike fender
  15. Terasilic unveils bike radar sensor with 190m detection range