Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.

“From the industry's perspective, Taiwanese companies have strictly abided by the labor regulations in Taiwan, which nonetheless, may in one way or another, differ from the international method and reference for betterment. We would always obey Taiwan's labuor law and try our very best when there's room for improvement,” says the TBA. According to the report in LeMonde, “Taiwan is one of the few places in the world where it is legal that foreign workers pay service fees to Taiwanese labour brokers amounting to two months’ wages during their three-year contracts.”…

TBA continues, “To add on, during the coming Taipei Cycle Show 2025, the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) will release the ‘Human Rights Code of Conduct’ for all BAS members and following action plan. BAS also has completed its first risk assessment and analyzed potential practical solutions…