Taiwan
TAIWAN BICYCLE INDUSTRY FACES US TARIFF THREAT Experts see manufacturing move to US as unrealistic
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s bicycle industry is dealing with hesitant customers in the US due to the threat of higher tariffs, reports said Wednesday.US President Donald Trump initially announced a 32% for imports from Taiwan, but later imposed a basic 10% level during 90 days of negotiation. The move led US customers of Taiwan’s flourishing bicycle sector to hesitate whether to hurry with orders or to wait until there is more clarity about future tariff levels, per CNA.Taiwan’s small and medium enterprises have succeeded in raising the quality and prices of the country’s bicycles to reach high-end customers, according to an AFP report. However, the Trump administration’s concept of using tariffs to move the sector to manufacture more in the US is deemed unrealistic.Setting up a bicycle factory in the US within three to five years is impossible due to labor issues, high costs, and the absence of relevant suppliers, according to the report. US experts named Taichung as a global hub for bicycle industry talent that would be hard to replicate elsewhere.In the short term, some bike makers expect benefits from US buyers turning away from China due to 145% tariffs imposed on imports from that country. However, the tariffs could also lead to Chinese manufacturers selling their cheaper bicycles in Europe, stepping up competition to rival made in Taiwan products.May. 7, 2025 17:53Matthew StrongTaiwan News, Staff Writer (ICE TAIPEI)
Fonte notizia: Organi di Stampa - Taiwan News