The Republic of China's emergence as a leading trading nation has been a source of marvel among people all over the world. Last year's exports of goods worth US$16 billion, made the ROC the 21st largest exporting nation, and the second in Asia after Japan. A major contribution to this rapid expansion has been made by sporting goods, which at a value of US$550 million last year, accounted for 3.4 percent of Taiwan's total exports.
When Taiwan first exported its sporting goods nine years ago, the categories were few and the value only ran into a few million US dollars. Today, Taiwan is the largest exporter of tennis and badminton rackets in the world. Although no precise figures are available, it is believed that a similar position has been achieved in exports of roller skates and baseball gloves. Other major products in the sporting goods line are rubber boats, air cushions, billiard cues, fishing tackle, and ski and camping equipment.
As sales have risen, so also has the quality become higher. For instance, graphite fiber is used to make quality tennis rackets which cost as much as US$30 to US$45 per piece, while graphite or borax fiber is also used in high-standard fishing rods.
The high quality and wide range of products has resulted in Taiwan achieving exports to more than 80 countries, led by the United States, the Republic of China's largest trading partner, and followed by Japan, Australia, Britain, Canada, West Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden.
This noteworthy achievement has also been made possible by the excellent investment environment in the Republic of China, and promotional efforts made by manufacturers themselves, or in cooperation with the China External Trade Development Council (CETDC) and the Taiwan Sporting Goods Manufacturers' Association.
Measures used by CETDC to promote the nation's exports include collecting data for buyers and organizing exhibitions at home and abroad. Trade exhibitions not only are the most direct and effective means of promotion but also help manufacturers in Taiwan to obtain the most up-to-date technical knowhow and understand international markets. On average, local companies win orders worth US$1.5 million from each exhibition.
Today, manufacturers in Taiwan have acquired the potential and resilience needed to withstand the ups and downs of the world economy. The Kingi Enterprises Co. Ltd. is a good example of an enterprise which has worked hard to achieve success.
When company chairman Lin Kingi started his career some 21 years ago, he had only capital of US$2,800 and some 20 employees. Today, he owns three companies and three factories covering an area of 22,000 pings (1 ping = 36 square feet). A fourth plant currently under planning will employ a further 400 workers and export its products mainly to Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia. With average annual growth rate now between 25 and 35 percent, Kingi is planning to open an overseas branch.
After graduating from a professional school, Lin worked at a government institution before accepting a post as head of a stationery manufacturing company, which he held for five years. Using the small capital he had accumulated, he opened the first roller skate factory in Taiwan, which because of limited buying power on the domestic market, only produced some 100 pairs a month.
Lin persevered, however, and as the government launched a drive to promote all kinds of sports in Taiwan, his company's sales expanded rapidly. With the help of the CETDC, Kingi started to export some 11 years ago, and growth has been steady since, until some US$5 million worth of the products were sold overseas last year.
Lin put down his success to high quality, good after-sales service and constant design improvements. Among improvements he mentioned were the use of PU rubber wheels and the introduction of a front stop.
In view of the rising worldwide popularity of sports and recreation activities, Lin expects demand for sporting goods to increase in the future. In spite of rising oil price, Lin predicts that Taiwan's long experience, good reputation and skilled laborers, coupled with government aid and the introduction of new machinery, will assure continued brisk sales for Taiwan's products.
[Picture Caption]
Roller skates (1), balls (2), rubber boats and air cushions (3), tennis ball (4), tennis and badminton rackets and billiard cues account for the bulk of exports of the Republic of China's sporting goods.
1 & 3. Aquatic sports and camping equipment have earned a large amount of foreign exchange for the country. 2. In view of the rising worldwide popularity of sports and recreation activities, the ROC is expected to boost exports of its sporting goods.
Gloves (1), skateboards (2), bicycles (5), gymnastics equipment (6) are also popular in world markets. 3. Factories use sophisticated modern machines to improve the quality of products and cut costs. 4. A trade exhibition sponsored by CETDC.
tennis and badminton rackets and billiard cues account for the bulk of exports of the Republic of China's sporting goods.
tennis and badminton rackets and billiard cues account for the bulk of exports of the Republic of China's sporting goods.
Aquatic sports and camping equipment have earned a large amount of foreign exchange for the country.
In view of the rising worldwide popularity of sports and recreation activities, the ROC is expected to boost exports of its sporting goods.
Aquatic sports and camping equipment have earned a large amount of foreign exchange for the country.
Factories use sophisticated modern machines to improve the quality of products and cut costs.
A trade exhibition sponsored by CETDC.
bicycles （5）, gymnastics equipment （6） are also popular in world markets.
bicycles （5）, gymnastics equipment （6） are also popular in world markets.
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