In response to the anticipation of the Chinese mainland motorcycle brand Zhangxue Motorcycles entering Taiwan next year, the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that, according to current regulations, Zhangxue Motorcycles will not be allowed to enter the Taiwan market. Violators will be severely fined NT$25 million (approximately RM3,167,500).
Zhangxue Motorcycles founder Zhang Xue said in an interview published in Taiwan's United Daily News last week that he very much wants to open a store in Taiwan and is currently negotiating, promising “no later than next year” for the opening and saying, “I will definitely attend the opening in person.”
At a regular press conference on Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office, responded to the question regarding Zhangxue Motorcycles entering Taiwan by stating that the Mainland supports two-way investment and win-win cooperation for businesses on both sides of the Strait. She hopes that industries on both sides will fully leverage their respective advantages, engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation, and better serve the people on both sides so that everyone can buy and use quality products with reasonable prices.
The Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs responded on Wednesday by clearly expressing its opposition. According to Taiwan Customs Import Tariff Regulations, currently, motorcycles (complete vehicles) made in Mainland China are listed under the “Prohibited Imports from Mainland China” (MW0) category and are, by law, not allowed to be imported into Taiwan.
Assessing the impact on Taiwan's market, KYMCO Chairman Ko Chun-bin analyzed that due to many reports of violations, large motorcycles in Taiwan cannot obtain corresponding road rights. Sales have continued to decline in recent years. Even if Zhangxue Motorcycles somehow entered the Taiwan market, not many could be sold; and if the manufacturer cannot assemble a certain number of units, cooperation will be difficult to continue in the long run, so the impact is expected to be limited.