Taiwan, a major player in the global bicycle industry, has recorded strong export growth in North America during the first half of this year.

Taiwan's unit exports of bicycles to North America during the first six months of 2008 rose by 19% to 386,671 bikes from 325,745 bikes in the same period a year earlier, according to statistics from the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association. By value, Taiwan's bicycle exports to North America gained 20% to US$142.6 million from US$118.5 million in the same period a year ago.

Taiwan is aiming for global industry leadership as consumers around the world embrace bicycles and other sustainable lifestyle choices. With gas prices soaring, cars are losing appeal for many environmentally-aware and budget-conscious American consumers.

"Around the world, consumers realize that by riding a bicycle instead of driving a car, they can not only improve their health, but also help to improve the environment," said Jeffrey Sheu, spokesman for Taiwan's Giant Manufacturing Co., the world's largest bicycle maker. Giant will increase its branded stores outside the Greater China region to 100 by 2010, growing from 10 this year and two last year, the company said.

Taiwan, also known as the bicycle kingdom, is the leading exporter of high and medium-range bicycles. It is home to some of the world's biggest bicycle manufacturers, which supply a wide array of finished bikes, components and accessories to the global market.

"The 'Made in Taiwan' brand today represents the ultimate in quality bicycles," said Mr. Y.C. Chao, President and CEO of TAITRA. "Our bicycle makers excel in new materials development and fabrication technologies, and continue to build and market innovative products for global consumption."

Taiwan's bicycle industry leads the world with innovative designs for city bikes as well as folding and trekking bikes. Rather than high-volume, low-cost products offerings, Taiwan's strength lies in high-tech, value-added bicycles. Key considerations are comfort and style
considerations while keeping on close eye on price-performance ratios, safety and lightness.

In recent years, Taiwan's bicycle exports have stabilized at around 5 million bikes annually after dropping from about 10 million annually during the early 1990s. While annual volumes have declined, the average price per bike doubled during the same period as the island's manufacturers have aimed for high-end products such as mountain bikes and road bikes.

China is the world's largest exporter of bicycles. Chinese bicycle manufacturers face growing pressures on their bottom line due to higher labor costs, higher government taxes and a strong currency against the U.S. dollar.