Badminton Prices in China Soar, Outpacing Gold as New Investment Fad
BEIJING (AP) — The price of badminton equipment in China has surged dramatically, exceeding even the growth rate of gold, sparking a frenzy among consumers and prompting comparisons to a novel financial product, according to reports on April 6, 2025.
Chinese Consumers Invest In Badminton
The surge in prices of badminton rackets, shuttlecocks, and related gear has taken many by surprise. social media is abuzz with discussions about the phenomenon, with some users jokingly suggesting that badminton equipment should be considered a new asset class.
Demand Fuels Price Increases
While the exact reasons for the price hikes remain unclear, increased participation in badminton, coupled with supply chain issues, may contribute to the inflationary trend. The growing popularity of the sport after the pandemic, combined with manufacturing and logistical bottlenecks, are possible factors driving up costs.
Rising Costs Spark Debate
The rapid price increase has sparked conversations about consumer behavior and investment trends in China. If the trend continues, it could price some enthusiasts and players out of the market or possibly be a temporary fad driven by speculation.
Badminton Prices Soar in China, Outpacing Gold’s gains
BEIJING (AP) — A surge in badminton prices across China has seen the cost of a single shuttlecock nearing 10 yuan (approximately $1.40 USD), prompting some to joke that they have become a better investment then gold. The price hikes, attributed to raw material shortages, have substantially impacted players and retailers alike.
Shuttlecock Inflation: A Breakdown of the Rising Costs
The owner of a badminton specialty store in beijing told the China News Weekly that the least expensive tube of Victor gold Grade No. 5 shuttlecocks now sells for 115 yuan (around $16 USD). This translates to nearly 10 yuan per shuttlecock.
“The shuttlecocks are expensive now; it’s the same all over the country,” the store owner said.“The prices increase every couple of months, and they will problably rise again soon.”
Yonex leads Price Hikes: 100% Increase in Two Years
Last July, Yonex and other badminton brands announced price increases of 40% to 60% across various product lines. Recent analysis reveals that the price of Yonex’s mainstream high-end AS-05 shuttlecocks has doubled in the past two years. This rate of increase has outstripped gains seen in the gold market during the same period.
Raw Material Shortages Fuel price Surge
The rising cost of badminton shuttlecocks is closely linked to a shortage of ”dao ling mao,” the primary feather material used in their production. According to a report by CLS, a raw material trader in Anhui province stated that dao ling mao primarily comes from ducks and geese with longer breeding cycles (over 50 days). Though, due to cost considerations, many farmers are now opting to raise white-feathered broiler ducks, which can be brought to market in under 40 days. These younger birds do not produce feathers suitable for quality shuttlecocks.
Feather Shortage Hits Badminton Industry Despite Growing Demand
the badminton industry is facing a notable challenge: a dwindling supply of duck feathers suitable for shuttlecock production amid rising sales.Despite a surge in popularity of the sport, the availability of long-day-aged meat duck, the primary source of these feathers, has considerably decreased in recent years, impacting production capabilities.
Declining Duck Supply Threatens Shuttlecock Production
Data indicates a sharp decline in the number of long-day-aged meat ducks raised between 2019 and 2023. The annual output plummeted from 2 billion to 1.2 billion, marking a considerable 40% reduction. This shortage stems from changes in agricultural practices and decreased farming of the specific duck breeds that yield high-quality feathers for badminton shuttlecocks. Those ideal feathers possess the attributes of appropriate length, strength and ideal quill shape for aerodynamic stability.
Badminton’s Booming Popularity Fuels Demand Surge
Paradoxically, the demand for badminton equipment is on the rise. In 2023, the total sales volume of badminton products exceeded 7.9 billion units, representing a 13% increase compared to 2020. this growth is attributed to the sport’s increasing popularity as a recreational activity and a competitive sport globally.
Implications for Players and Manufacturers
The discrepancy between feather availability and demand increase puts considerable strain on shuttlecock manufacturers. Experts predict potential price increases and possible shortages if solutions are not implemented. Badminton players, from recreational enthusiasts to professional athletes, may face higher costs for equipment and uncertainty about availability.
Addressing the Feather Supply Challenge
The badminton industry is exploring alternative solutions to mitigate the feather shortage. These efforts include research into alternative feather sources, improvements in shuttlecock manufacturing efficiency, and the growth of synthetic feather alternatives that can mimic the performance of natural feathers. Whether these will successfully address the decline remains to be seen.
Are synthetic shuttlecocks a viable long-term solution to the duck feather shortage?
Badminton Prices Soar in China: A Q&A
The primary drivers are a combination of increased demand and supply chain issues. Post-pandemic, badminton’s popularity surged, boosting demand. Simultaneously,production has faced challenges,most notably a shortage of quality duck feathers,the key material for shuttlecocks.
The primary issue is a decline in the farming of long-day-aged meat ducks that produce the high-quality feathers needed for shuttlecocks.Farmers are increasingly opting for faster-growing, white-feathered breeds, which don’t yield the right type of feathers. Between 2019 and 2023, the annual output of suitable ducks plummeted by 40%.
Prices have increased substantially.Such as, the cost of a single shuttlecock is nearing 10 yuan (around $1.40 USD).Yonex shuttlecocks have doubled in price in the past two years, outstripping gold’s gains during the same period.
Players face higher equipment costs.This could possibly price some enthusiasts out of the market. There’s also the possibility of shortages,which adds uncertainty for both recreational and professional players.
Industry efforts include researching alternative feather sources, improving manufacturing efficiency, and exploring synthetic feather alternatives.The success of these efforts remains to be seen.
Some social media users are jokingly suggesting it, given the price surge. While not a formal investment product, the rapid price increases have certainly caught attention and sparked comparisons to gold.
Players might consider buying shuttlecocks in bulk when prices are lower, exploring less expensive brands, or investing in durable equipment to reduce frequent replacement costs.
the badminton price surge in China is a complex issue, driven by a confluence of rising demand and constrained supply. Stay informed and adapt your purchasing strategy accordingly to navigate these changing market conditions.
