TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. customs officials blocked imports from Giant Manufacturing (巨大), Taiwan's major bicycle maker, Wednesday (Sept. 24) over forced labor allegations. The Withhold Release Order threatens Giant's American market access and could reduce company. U.S. Customs and Border Protection's order specifically targets Taiwan-manufactured bicycles and components, blocking shipments from entering American markets. Giant faces potential delays, detentions, or returns of U.S.-bound products as the company prepares to challenge the federal trade restriction.
The bicycle manufacturer estimates the trade ban could impact 4 to 5 percent of total revenues while assembling legal teams to contest the federal order. Giant announced plans to file formal appeals with customs authorities and gather evidence proving regulatory compliance. Giant will submit documentation to U.S. authorities seeking immediate revocation of the import restrictions affecting its American business operations.
Company spokesperson Li Shu-keng (李書耕) said Thursday Giant assembled legal teams to contact customs officials, collect compliance evidence, and seek order revocation. The manufacturer maintains it violated no labor regulations while implementing enhanced worker protection measures for international operations. Giant plans to present evidence of labor protection initiatives to federal customs officials during the appeals process. The company will demonstrate compliance measures implemented across manufacturing facilities to address forced labor concerns raised by American authorities.
Giant assured investors it will provide regular updates on appeal progress according to disclosure regulations. The manufacturer promised prompt announcements of significant developments to protect stakeholder interests during the trade dispute resolution process. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部), the island's trade ministry, will coordinate with the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) to assist Giant. Government agencies plan to help resolve import restrictions affecting the bicycle manufacturer's access to American markets.
Giant emphasized zero-tolerance policies toward forced labor while implementing recruitment fee coverage for foreign workers since January. The manufacturer covers all hiring costs, agency fees, and processing charges for new international employees while upgrading worker accommodations. Li Shu-keng (李書耕), Giant's spokesperson, confirmed the company implemented zero recruitment fees since January, covering all hiring costs for foreign employees. The policy includes recruitment expenses, agency fees, and government processing charges to eliminate financial burdens on international workers.
Giant, founded in 1972, operates nine manufacturing facilities worldwide and distributes bicycles across more than 80 countries. The Taiwanese company created the Liv women's bicycle brand in 2008 to expand market reach and diversify product offerings. Giant reported NT$42.745 billion (around US$1.40 billion) in revenue through August, compared to NT$71.28 billion (around US$2.33 billion) for full-year 2024. The financial figures demonstrate the company's substantial business scale and potential impact from American trade restrictions on overall performance. ◼
