Taichung, Taiwan — September 16, 2025 — The 2025 Taichung Bike Week officially kicked off today, running from September 16–19 across three venues: The Splendor Hotel, Evergreen Laurel Hotel, and Tempus Hotel. A total of 320 domestic and international exhibitors joined this year, representing an 11% drop from 360 in 2024. The opening day, however, saw relatively sparse crowds, with fewer international buyers in attendance, creating a noticeably quieter atmosphere compared to previous years.
Exhibitors reported a significant drop in meetings, with most managing only two to three appointments on the first day. While some at Evergreen and Tempus expected more activity on Day Two, overall meetings were down 20–50% from last year. U.S. buyers were particularly scarce, while European buyers were present but still below past levels. Industry participants attributed this to global inventory pressure, the upcoming Sea Otter Europe show in Spain (Sept. 19–21), and U.S. tariff issues, including Section 232 measures. Many U.S. clients had already finalized specifications a month earlier, reducing the need to attend.
As host city, the Taichung City Government held a press conference themed “Sustainable Green Living: Walk and Ride Taichung” at Evergreen Hotel. Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen attended, highlighting Taichung’s 93 cycling routes covering more than 780 km — the most in Taiwan — and stressing the city’s ambition to become a true “International Bicycle Capital.”
Huang Yu-shan, Secretary-General of the Taichung Industrial Development and Investment Promotion Committee, emphasized Taichung’s role as a global hub for premium bicycle production and R&D. She noted that Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is actively promoting the “Front Shop, Back Factory Free Port” policy to elevate Taichung industries onto the global stage. With the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center set to open by year-end, it is expected to host future world-class trade shows.
This year, organizers integrated sustainability and low-carbon travel into the event. In collaboration with the Industry Story House Association and Citizen Sustainability, the show promoted the “Carbon Bank” personal carbon ledger alongside the “Ride Out Taichung” cycling app. Visitors can navigate four curated bike routes linking factories, shopping districts, and cultural sites, earning carbon points that can be redeemed for discounts or products — creating a “ride-and-reward” cycle that blends tourism, lifestyle, and sustainability.
Another hot topic on opening day was the venue for the 2026 Taichung Bike Week. While next year’s dates are set for September 15–18, the question remains whether the event will remain hotel-based or move to the soon-to-open Taichung International Convention Center. The Taiwan Bicycle Association said the current “hotel-style exhibition” format will continue for now, but discussions are ongoing.
Although the first day lacked its usual bustle, Taichung Bike Week remains a vital platform for global industry networking and continues to play a pivotal role in the international bicycle supply chain.
