Taiwan-based bike manufacturer Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Giant Group) is reporting that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on September 24, 2025, issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) on products manufactured at Giant Group’s Taiwan-based manufacturing factory, suspending the import of Giant-branded bikes, bike parts and components into the United States.

The action by the CBP apparently comes on the heels of accusations of forced labor at this facility and does not impact the production of Giant-branded bikes, bike parts, and components that it manufactures in other countries.

In a media release, the CBP issued a statement outlining the the action.

“Effective immediately, CBP will detain bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan by Giant. This WRO, the third issued in 2025 and the fourth in Fiscal Year 2025, was issued due to violations of 19 U.S.C. § 1307, the law prohibiting goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S.,” the agency wrote.

“CBP has a proven track record of cracking down on companies that use forced labor to the detriment of law-abiding U.S. businesses,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.

CBP identified the following International Labour Organization forced labor indicators during its investigation of Giant:

  1. Abuse of vulnerability;
  2. Abusive working and living conditions;
  3. Debt bondage;
  4. Withholding of wages; and
  5. Excessive overtime.

The CBP went on to say that Giant profited by imposing such abuse, resulting in goods produced below market value and undercutting American businesses by millions of dollars in unjustly earned profits. The agency noted that the International Labour Organization estimates that nearly 28 million workers are under conditions of forced labor worldwide.

“Importers have a responsibility to do their due diligence and know their supply chains,” said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade Susan S. Thomas. “CBP will continue to investigate allegations of forced labor and take action when we find it in U.S. supply chains.”

In response, Giant Group issued the following statement:

  1. Company Position. Giant Group is firmly committed to upholding human rights and labor protections, and has taken the following concrete actions:
    • 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.
  2. Active Response. Giant Group has established internal supervision mechanisms and third-party audits and continues to conduct due diligence to ensure compliance with international standards. We will contact CBP to file a petition to seek the revocation of the WRO and explain that the Company has already adopted appropriate measures.
  3. The WRO applies only to products manufactured in Taiwan and exported to the U.S. Supply and sales in other markets remain unaffected. In the short term, some shipments to the U.S. may experience delays or inspections. However, the company has activated contingency measures and is planning to work closely with CBP and are working closely with business partners to minimize the impact.
  4. Continuing Transparency and Communication. Giant Group remains dedicated to protecting labor rights through concrete actions and ensuring a transparent, fair, and sustainable development. The Group will continually provide timely updates and maintain open communication with global stakeholders to foster a responsible and resilient industry environment.

Giant Group’s monthly revenue fell 26.7 percent to NT$5.0 billion in August, marking the company’s fifth consecutive double-digit decline and the fourth straight month of strong double-digit decreases. The sharp drop for the month was offset by a 2.0 percent increase in the August 2024 period.

The eight-month year-to-date (YTD) period through August was down 17.3 percent year-over-year to NT$42.7 billion.

Giant Group reports in New Taiwan dollars (NT$).

The WRO against Giant is the latest action CBP has taken to address forced labor. With this WRO issuance, CBP said it currently oversees and enforces 53 WROs and nine Findings under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.

“When CBP has evidence indicating that imported goods are made by forced labor, the agency issues orders to detain those shipments. Importers of detained shipments may seek to destroy or export their shipments or seek to demonstrate that the merchandise is admissible,” the agancy concluded.

Images courtesy Giant Taiwan Factory