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KEEPING IN SHAPE IS
BIG BUSINESS
Fitness equipment made on the island plays a major role in the development
of the global health and fitness industry, which is poised to grow even more in the coming years
In this modern and stressful world, keeping fit and healthy is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Changing lifestyles and health habits, along with increased awareness of how
to live well, have led many across the globe to value the importance of exercise. Therefore, working out – and doing so in the many fitness centres around the world – has become increasingly popular.
BEING PART OF SOMETHING BIG
The global fitness equipment industry – treadmills, free weights, weight
equipment, cross-trainers and the like – is big business, having been valued at US$ 8 billion in 2017.
And the export market for products made on the island mirrors this trend. The market is worth
more than NT$ 40 billion each
year (US$ 1.3 billion equivalent), with exports primarily to China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – the top
three products being fitness equipment, golf equipment and outdoor sports equipment.
Fitness equipment is one of the most important revenue generators for the island’s economy. In 2017
the island exported more than
US$ 800 million worth of equipment and products worldwide, the main markets being the United States and
Global fitness industry was worth
US$ 8 billion in 2017
©Taiwan External Trade Development Council, TAITRA