More than 90 percent of locally made sporting products are sold overseas, with the U.S. receiving over 50 percent of exports, followed by China, Japan and the U.K. The figure is likely to be even higher as MOEA statistics exclude separately-categorized athletic apparel, braces, footwear and bicycles.
Locally made table tennis paddles are showcased at the Taipei event.
Taiwan’s manufacturing prowess was on full display in March at the latest edition of the annual Taipei International Sporting Goods Show held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Organized by MOEA-supported Taiwan External Trade Development Council in partnership with Taipei-based Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association and Taipei Sporting Goods Association, the exhibition showcased themes such as the integration of advanced digital technology with sports training and promotion of outdoor leisure activities.
TSMA Secretary-General Jane Wen said fans can spot Taiwan-made gear at events spanning Wimbledon, the Olympics, the Universiade and the International Federation of Association Football World Cup. She added that any in sport played now, major equipment was supplied by Taiwan manufacturers.
Wen anticipates the local industry will continue posting impressive growth, citing TSMA figures revealing that exports of camping, fitness, golf, badminton and water sports goods each rose by 50 to 70 percent in 2021 as the world eased pandemic control measures.
Camping gear set up at the Taipei show
As a founding member of Switzerland-based World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, TSMA works to expand Taiwan companies’ international presence. The association comprises most of the 400 plus manufacturers in eight categories of fitness; golf; indoor sports; outdoor sports and sportswear; sports balls and nets; rackets; water sports; and winter sports.
Around 53 percent of these companies have factories in central Taiwan’s Taichung City and Changhua County, resulting in an industrial hub that allows them to form comprehensive up- and downstream supply networks. These producers also benefit from the high density of machine tool plants in the region, which allow the bulk of components, parts and high-performance factory equipment to be sourced locally.
Original equipment manufacturing and original design manufacturing for international brands currently remain the primary focus for sports equipment manufacturers due to their expertise in production, assembly and logistics. However, an increasing number of local companies have successfully transitioned to original brand manufacturing. (E) (By Pat Gao)
Strong interest in the health and wellness sector results in both public and industry attendance at sporting goods shows.
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(This article is adapted from “Leaps and Bounds” in the July/August issue of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)