LI NING(HK:02331) 新浪财经·2025-09-02 09:07Core Viewpoint - The price of badminton products, particularly from well-known brands like Yonex and Victor, has been rising significantly, with increases of approximately 30-40 yuan per barrel, leading to consumer frustration and calls for a boycott of these brands [2][4][5]. Price Increase and Consumer Reaction - The price of Yonex's popular AS-05 model has risen from 275 yuan to 350 yuan per barrel, translating to an increase of over 3 yuan per shuttlecock, which is nearly a 20% rise [4]. - Consumers express their discontent on social media, comparing the cost of playing badminton to more expensive activities and lamenting the affordability of the sport [3][4]. Supply Chain Challenges - The surge in prices is attributed to a significant decline in the supply of ducks and geese, which are essential for producing high-quality shuttlecocks. The number of ducks has decreased from approximately 4.878 billion in 2019 to 4.22 billion in 2024, while geese have dropped from 634 million to 569 million [5]. - The increase in pork production has also squeezed the resources available for duck and goose farming, exacerbating the supply shortage [5]. Market Dynamics - The rapid growth of badminton's popularity in China has led to increased domestic demand, prompting suppliers to shift focus from exports to the local market, intensifying competition for limited raw materials [5]. - A manufacturer reported that prices for duck and goose feathers have more than doubled since the end of 2022, with some price changes occurring within hours [5]. Production Insights - The production facility in Guizhou, which has become a significant hub for badminton manufacturing, produced over 400 million shuttlecocks last year, with an export value of nearly 9 million USD [8]. - The factory has seen a 40% increase in exports compared to the previous year, driven by rising demand and proactive measures to expand production capacity [8][9]. Alternative Solutions - The use of synthetic materials for shuttlecock production is being explored as a viable alternative, aligning with the World Badminton Federation's sustainability goals. Several manufacturers have already introduced synthetic shuttlecocks with positive market feedback [6]. - The market is also witnessing a rise in the sales of nylon and plastic shuttlecocks, although they do not match the performance of natural feather shuttlecocks, particularly for professional players [10].