Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - The price of badminton shuttlecocks has been rising significantly, with major brands like Yonex and Victor increasing prices by approximately 30-40 yuan per barrel, leading to consumer frustration and calls for a boycott [1][3][4]. Price Increase and Consumer Reaction - The price of the popular Yonex AS-05 model has increased from 275 yuan to 350 yuan per barrel, resulting in a per shuttlecock price of 26.25 yuan, which is an increase of over 3 yuan or nearly 20% [3]. - Consumers express concerns about the affordability of badminton, with some stating that playing badminton is now more expensive than drinking milk tea [2][3]. Supply Chain and Material Shortages - The increase in shuttlecock prices is attributed to a shortage of raw materials, particularly duck and goose feathers, which are essential for manufacturing high-quality shuttlecocks [3][4]. - The production of ducks and geese in China has declined significantly, with duck production dropping from approximately 4.878 billion in 2019 to 4.22 billion in 2024, and goose production decreasing from 634 million to 569 million [4]. Market Dynamics and Demand Surge - The rapid growth of badminton as a popular sport in China has led to increased domestic demand, causing suppliers to shift focus from exports to the local market [4][6]. - A supplier reported that prices for duck and goose feathers have more than doubled since the end of 2022, with some price changes occurring within hours [4]. Production Capacity and Economic Impact - The badminton production industry in Guizhou has seen significant growth, with companies like Aislong producing over 400 million shuttlecocks and achieving an export value of nearly 9 million USD [6][10]. - The factory in Guizhou has increased production capacity and revenue, with a reported 40% increase in exports compared to the previous year [6][10]. Alternative Materials and Future Trends - The use of synthetic materials for shuttlecocks is being explored as a sustainable alternative, with positive market feedback for recreational synthetic shuttlecocks [4][12]. - The market is witnessing a rise in sales of nylon and plastic shuttlecocks due to the high prices of natural feather shuttlecocks, although they do not match the quality of traditional feather shuttlecocks [12].