American customs officials will bar the import of bicycles manufactured in Taiwan by Giant Bicycles following an investigation that found evidence of forced labour.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will detain bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories manufactured in Taiwan, effective immediately after issuing a Withhold Release Order.
CBP said it identified five ‘forced labour indicators’ during its investigation of Giant: abuse of vulnerability; abusive working and living conditions; debt bondage; withholding wages; and excessive overtime.
CBP said Giant, the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, “profited by imposing such abuse”, resulting in goods produced below market value and thereby “undercutting American businesses by millions of dollars”.
Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade Susan S. Thomas said: “Importers have a responsibility to do their due diligence and know their supply chains. CBP will continue to investigate allegations of forced labor and take action when we find it in U.S. supply chains.”
In a statement published on its website, the Giant Group said it is “firmly committed to upholding human rights and labor protections”.
Giant said it has taken “concrete actions” in the last year: “Since January 2025, we have fully implemented a Zero Recruitment Fee Policy, under which all recruitment, agency, and government-related fees for newly hired migrant workers are fully covered by the company.
“By the end of 2024, we completed upgrades to employee housing, providing a safer and more comfortable living environment.”
Giant Group said it will file a petition to seek the revocation of the Withhold Release Order and explain to the CBP that the company has “already adopted appropriate measures”.
Giant said it expects some shipments to the US may experience delays and inspections in the short term.
“The Group will continually provide timely updates and maintain open communication with global stakeholders to foster a responsible and resilient industry environment,” the statement said.
