Taiwan sporting goods output jumped to NT$12.1 billion (US$372 million) in the first quarter of 2025. The Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed this marked a 5.6% year-on-year increase. This rebound follows two years of decline in the industry. Golf equipment led the growth. Strong overseas demand pushed golf gear production up by 24% year-on-year. At the same time, indoor fitness gear saw a sharp 15.9% decline compared to the same period last year.
Taiwan exports about 90% of its fitness and golf equipment. This export strength helped support Taiwan sporting goods output even amid shifting global trends. The ministry stated that Taiwan ranked third in global fitness gear exports in 2024. It also placed fifth in golf equipment exports. The sector peaked in 2021 with NT$93 billion in production. However, it declined by 40.3% in 2022 and another 14.9% in 2023. Despite this, the industry posted a modest 1.5% recovery last year. The current first-quarter data shows continued positive momentum.
Pandemic effects still echo in the industry. In 2020, lockdowns fueled a surge in treadmill and step machine sales. This lifted fitness equipment output to NT$38.4 billion. That year, fitness gear made up 60% of total Taiwan sporting goods output. But in recent years, demand slowed, and its industry share dropped to about 30% in 2023. Conversely, golf gear has steadily gained ground. In 2022, production reached NT$19.5 billion, a record high. This accounted for 35.2% of the total output that year. The current rebound in golf exports suggests continued strength in this segment.
Small and medium enterprises dominate Taiwan’s sporting goods sector. In 2023, nearly 450 companies operated in this space. Taichung hosted the largest share at 34.7%, followed by Changhua at 15.4% and Tainan at 14%. Looking ahead, Taiwan sporting goods output may keep rising if export demand stays strong. Golf equipment, in particular, will likely continue to drive growth.
