Badminton More Aggressive Than Gold
- XIAMEN, China – Badminton enthusiasts in Xiamen are facing a steep increase in the cost of their sport, with prices of shuttlecocks rising dramatically in recent years, even...
- Victor and Yonex,two major badminton manufacturers,announced further price increases effective April 1.
- The rising costs have left many xiamen badminton players feeling the financial strain.
Badminton Prices Soar in Xiamen, Outpacing Gold
XIAMEN, China – Badminton enthusiasts in Xiamen are facing a steep increase in the cost of their sport, with prices of shuttlecocks rising dramatically in recent years, even outpacing the growth in the price of gold. Several badminton brands have implemented price hikes, citing rising raw material costs.
Multiple Brands Announce Price Adjustments
Victor and Yonex,two major badminton manufacturers,announced further price increases effective April 1. Other brands, including Lingmei, Xunfeng, and Air-to-Air, have also adjusted their prices recently, with increases ranging from 15% to 50% compared to last year, according to a report in the Straits Guide. A clerk at a sports goods store on Sports Road told the Straits Guide that Deli brand shuttlecocks have risen from 75 yuan per barrel (12 pieces) last year to 110 yuan per barrel. Chenguang brand shuttlecocks have doubled in price, from 80 yuan per barrel to 160 yuan per barrel. The clerk noted that badminton prices have been steadily increasing sence 2023, with the most importent jump occurring between 2024 and 2025.
Players Feeling the pinch
The rising costs have left many xiamen badminton players feeling the financial strain. “I can’t afford to play,” some players have lamented, according to the Straits Guide. Mr. Hong, a badminton enthusiast, told the Straits Guide that a two-hour doubles match can consume half a dozen shuttlecocks, with some popular models costing over 10 yuan each. this translates to a cost of 60 to 70 yuan for shuttlecocks alone per session.
Mr.Liu,a regular player at Wuyuan Bay Sports Hall,echoed these concerns. He estimates that the cost of a single game in Xiamen, excluding rackets and clothing, can easily exceed 300 yuan when factoring in venue fees (around 200 yuan) and the cost of shuttlecocks.
Raw Material Shortages Blamed
Badminton manufacturers attribute the price increases to a shortage of raw materials and the subsequent rise in their prices.
The primary raw materials for shuttlecocks are goose and duck feathers. Each shuttlecock requires 16 feathers, and only a small number of feathers from each bird meet the stringent quality requirements for hardness. Data from the China Animal Husbandry Association indicates a decline in the output of commercial meat ducks from 4.878 billion in 2019 to 4.22 billion in 2024. Similarly, the output of commercial geese decreased from 634 million to 569 million. This reduction in the number of geese and ducks slaughtered has led to an increase in the price of suitable feathers.
Alternatives Emerge
As badminton prices surge, some sports stores have begun promoting alternatives such as plastic and carbon-sound shuttlecocks. However, some players find these substitutes lacking the feel, speed, and stability of conventional feather shuttlecocks, maintaining a preference for natural wool options.
XiamenS Badminton Industry
According to Qichacha data, there are 13,400 badminton-related companies in China, with 42 located in Xiamen, ranking the city 77th in terms of urban distribution.As of April 2 of this year, two new badminton-related companies have been registered in Xiamen.
Badminton Prices Soar in Xiamen: A Look at Rising Costs
This article analyzes the increasing cost of badminton in Xiamen, China, focusing on price hikes in shuttlecocks and the impact on players.
Why Are Badminton Prices Increasing in Xiamen?
Manufacturers attribute the price increases to a shortage of raw materials, specifically the feathers used to make shuttlecocks.The article states that the output of commercial meat ducks and geese has decreased.
What Raw Materials are Used to Make Shuttlecocks?
Shuttlecocks primarily use goose and duck feathers. Each shuttlecock requires 16 feathers, and only a limited number of feathers meet quality standards for hardness.
Which brands Have Increased Shuttlecock Prices?
Several brands have announced price adjustments, including:
Victor
Yonex
Lingmei
Xunfeng
Air-to-Air
Deli
Chenguang
How Much Have Shuttlecock Prices Increased?
Prices have increased significantly, with some brands doubling their prices. The article gives these specific examples:
Deli: Increased from 75 yuan per barrel (12 pieces) to 110 yuan per barrel.
Chenguang: Doubled in price, from 80 yuan per barrel to 160 yuan per barrel.
Increases range from 15% to 50% compared to last year for all the brands.
How Are Players affected by Rising Badminton Costs?
Players in Xiamen are feeling the financial strain. Some players have stated they can no longer afford to play, and the cost of a single game can easily exceed 300 yuan.The higher cost of shuttlecocks is a primary factor.
What alternatives to Feather Shuttlecocks Exist?
Some sports stores promote plastic and carbon-sound shuttlecocks as alternatives, but many players prefer the feel and performance of traditional feather shuttlecocks.
Badminton Industry in Xiamen
The article highlights the presence of badminton-related companies in xiamen. Here’s a summary:
Total Badminton Companies in China: 13,400
Badminton Companies in Xiamen: 42
Xiamen’s Ranking: 77th in terms of urban distribution
New Companies Registered (as of April 2): 2
Key Price Increase Details
| Brand | Price Before | Price Now | Increase |
| ———– | ————- | ————— | ——————– |
| Deli | 75 yuan/barrel | 110 yuan/barrel | Significant |
| Chenguang | 80 yuan/barrel | 160 yuan/barrel | Doubled |
| other Brands| Variable | Variable | 15% – 50% (approx.)|