Source: REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
[Saba Sports News] A notice from the globally renowned badminton manufacturer Li-Ning has quickly spread online. The notice advocates that all suppliers lower the purchase prices of raw feathers and shuttlecocks. Starting from September 1, Li-Ning decided to reduce the current purchase price by two to three cents per piece. In response, some fans believe that badminton giants have begun a cost defense battle, and shuttlecock prices cannot continue to rise uncontrollably. Data shows that compared to 2023, leading manufacturers’ badminton products have generally increased in price by 20% to 30%, with some models seeing price increases of over 60%. Currently, badminton manufacturers are facing soaring prices for duck and goose feathers. Some large manufacturers have had to suspend overseas orders, while some small and medium-sized manufacturers have “no money to buy feathers.” The rising prices of shuttlecocks have led consumers to turn to second-hand platforms, with some players even starting to buy second-hand repaired shuttlecocks online, priced at about half of the original price of new products. Some badminton training institutions have also begun to control costs due to high shuttlecock prices, requiring students to bring their own shuttlecocks for training. Clearly, the continuous rise in finished shuttlecock prices is extremely detrimental to the development of the entire badminton industry. Li-Ning has taken the lead in launching the first shot to “curb shuttlecock prices.” Will it gain support from other badminton manufacturers to stop the madness in shuttlecock pricing?