Eight months after the US banned imports of Giant's Taiwan-made products over forced-labour concerns, much of Taiwan's bicycle industry has implemented reforms. An estimated US$10 million has been reimbursed to migrant workers, and at least ten manufacturers are adopting no-fee recruitment policies – but progress is still slow, especially in putting policies into practice, according to a new report.
The report, Speeding Up – Addressing forced labour risks in Taiwan's bicycle industry, was written by investigative journalist Peter Bengtsen, whose 2024 and 2025 investigations helped bring the issue to light. A follow-up to his 2025 Speed Up! report, it gives an account of the developments since US Customs and Border Protection issued its Withhold Release Order against Giant in September 2025, with company claims verified through worker contacts.
Joe Lindsey
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