Japan Economic News: Chinese Down Price Will Affect Global Garment Industry

According to the Japanese economic news on January 12, down jackets are selling well in China in severe cold weather. People's demand for light and good thermal performance of cold protection products is increasing. This situation, coupled with the unexpected challenges faced by animal husbandry, has led to a sharp rise in the price of raw materials. Changes in the Chinese market may have global implications.

According to the report, in recent years, a large number of down jacket advertisements have appeared on China's rapidly developing short video platform. The publicity content includes not only versatility, but also the characteristics of high quality and easy maintenance of down jacket.

According to the report, among many brands, Chinese local brands such as bosden are highly praised by online celebrities. Bosden's sales volume in the second and third quarters of 2021 will reach 5.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16%. It is said that this is mainly because the sales volume of its high price products has increased significantly compared with last year.

The report pointed out that the main reason for the sales of down jackets was the cold weather. The China Meteorological Administration said in December 2021 that the temperature this winter is likely to be lower than in previous years due to the global La Nina phenomenon. From September to November 2021, there have been four cold waves.

However, climate is only a short-term factor in the popularity of down garments, and there are also long-term factors behind it. According to the analysis of China Economic Industry Research Institute, the popularization rate of down products in China will be less than 10% in 2018, which is lower than the 35% to 45% popularization rate of developed countries in Europe and America. China's rural areas have been used to using heavy fur and cotton padded jacket for winter before, and gradually began to accept light and warm down jacket after the increase of income.

According to the report, the increase in the production of down products led to a sharp rise in the prices of raw materials. According to the data released by China down industry association, the price per kilogram of feather (including 90% white duck down) reached 362 yuan by October 2021, up 28% year-on-year.

According to statistics, China's total exports of down and other feathers account for more than 40% of the global total, ranking first in the world. Therefore, China's domestic demand changes may have an impact on the global clothing industry.

(source: Reference)