The finished‑down market maintained its upward trend in Week 4 of August 2026, with prices for both goose down and duck down moving higher. Compared with mid‑August, prices of the two down varieties have rebounded by around 1% in total at a steady pace. The new national standard for down products will take effect on September 1. Market quotations have gradually been adjusted to align with the new standard in recent weeks, marking a smooth transition.
Quotations
Under GB/T 14272‑2021: the average price of 90% white duck down stands at RMB 568.8/kg, a slight rise of 0.5% week‑on‑week; the average price of 90% white goose down is RMB 985.7/kg, edging up 0.6% from last week.
Under QB/T 1193‑2023: the average price of 90% white duck down is RMB 597.7/kg, up 1.2%; the average price of 90% white goose down reaches RMB 1040.1/kg, an increase of 1.1%.
Under GB/T 17685‑2026: the average price of 90% white duck down is RMB 581.3/kg, rising 0.5% week‑on‑week; the average price of 90% white goose down is RMB 1007.2/kg, up 0.4%.
Driving Factors
The ongoing price increase this week is underpinned by the following factors:
1. Tight supply: High temperatures have reduced slaughter volumes and raw feather supply. Raw‑material costs remain elevated, delivering strong support to down prices.
2. Moderate demand release: Down jacket manufacturers have entered their seasonal production and stock‑building phase. Down consumption is growing amid steady rigid‑demand purchasing, and prices have edged higher in northern markets.
3. Generally stable market sentiment: Processors show strong willingness to hold firm on prices. Constrained by thin order profit margins, intermediaries purchase prudently and mostly restock as needed, keeping overall prices stable.
Outlook for Next Week
47% of surveyed enterprises (versus 57% last week) expect down prices to rise next week, while 53% anticipate flat prices. Most enterprises foresee a stable market, with some expecting limited further upside; no respondents forecast price declines.
On one hand, tight supply will persist in the short term, and raw‑material output cannot rebound rapidly. On the other hand, purchasing activity may accelerate as autumn‑winter orders are progressively confirmed. Nevertheless, given the current relatively high price level, intermediaries have turned more cautious, trading volumes have softened, and scope for sharp price gains is limited.
Overall, the market is likely to remain firm with minor fluctuations next week.
Key Recommendations for Enterprises
1. Rationalize purchasing rhythm: Prices are in a recovery phase. Enterprises with restocking needs are advised to place phased purchases according to order books and avoid aggressive bulk buying at high prices.
2. Monitor raw‑material supply developments: Keep close track of slaughter operation rates and raw‑material arrivals, and plan raw‑material inventories in advance.
3. View short‑term fluctuations rationally: Recent trading volumes have eased, and prices may enter a consolidation phase. Align purchasing schedules with actual production requirements.
Summary
The down market saw modest gains this week, sustained chiefly by tight supply and cost support alongside moderate follow‑up demand. Though trading volumes have cooled off after price hikes, overall market performance remains sound and orderly. As the autumn‑winter production peak gets underway, the industry is entering its traditional high season for production and sales, with improving market confidence. Enterprises are suggested to maintain regular operations, get well‑prepared for peak‑season business and seize market opportunities.
data from www.cfd.com.cn
