News
The 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris once again showcased China’s strength in badminton, with the national team taking home 2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal. But beyond the professional stage, badminton has become one of the most popular sports in China, with a market scale that continues to expand rapidly.
Market Size Exceeds RMB 32 Billion
According to the China National Fitness Activity Survey, badminton now has over 250 million active players in the country. By 2025, the badminton market is valued at RMB 32 billion (USD 4.47 billion), and is expected to surpass RMB 45 billion (USD 6.29 billion) by 2030.
This growth covers the entire industry chain, from equipment manufacturing and sports venues to event operations and training schools. In production hubs such as Guizhou Province, factories manufacture over 100,000 shuttlecocks per day, exporting to more than 60 countries. Some factories report that orders are fully booked for the next six months, with demand far exceeding supply.
Why Feather Shuttlecocks Still Dominate
While nylon and synthetic shuttlecocks are growing in sales, professional players and clubs remain loyal to natural feather shuttlecocks due to their superior flight stability, touch, and performance. This preference ensures that the demand for high quality OEM feather shuttlecock factories in China will remain strong for years to come.
The Rise of the “Badminton Fashion Economy”
Badminton is no longer just a sport – it is becoming a lifestyle trend.
Average annual badminton-related spending per person has jumped from RMB 300 (USD 42) a decade ago to nearly RMB 3,000 (USD 420) today.
Searches for “badminton shoes” and “badminton outfits” on lifestyle platforms have surged by 64% and 86%, reflecting a blend of functionality and fashion appeal.
Younger consumers demand not just performance gear but also stylish equipment that looks good on social media.
This trend has created new opportunities for OEM shuttlecock suppliers, as global brands look to expand product lines that combine performance with lifestyle branding.
Challenges: Rising Costs and Training Expenses
However, the industry faces significant challenges:
Feather prices have more than doubled in the past three years, directly pushing shuttlecock costs higher.
Training fees for youth players in major cities can reach USD 60–70 per session, reflecting rising venue rentals and coaching expenses.
Consumers are increasingly selective, demanding both professional-grade products and affordable alternatives.
These pressures highlight the importance of efficient production and global supply chain partnerships.
Future Outlook: Tradition Meets Technology
Experts suggest that the future of badminton will be shaped by both tradition and innovation:
Professional events will continue to rely on top-grade goose feather shuttlecocks.
Recreational players may adopt hybrid shuttlecocks combining feather and synthetic materials.
New technologies such as AI coaching, VR training, and bio-material shuttlecocks could reshape the industry within 2–3 years.
Conclusion: Opportunities for OEM Shuttlecock Manufacturers
The Chinese badminton market is on a golden track, combining strong consumer demand, lifestyle-driven upgrades, and government support for sports development. For global brands, distributors, and sports retailers, partnering with a reliable OEM shuttlecock factory in China offers an excellent chance to secure supply, reduce costs, and meet the growing worldwide demand for badminton equipment.
👉 If you are looking for wholesale OEM shuttlecocks from China, our factory specializes in feather processing and shuttlecock manufacturing, with a complete supply chain from raw feathers to finished products. Contact us today to request samples and discuss OEM solutions for your brand.
