I. Cumulative Exports: Major Categories Under Pressure While Sleeping Bags Maintain Growth
China's total exports of down industry reached approximately USD 650 million from January to May, a year-on-year drop of 14.2%. The decline widened slightly compared with the January–April period, mainly driven by periodic external factors including overseas consumer goods cycles and shifts in global consumption structure. Nevertheless, progress in optimizing the industry's product mix remains evident.
Raw down & feathers
Cumulative exports hit 15,000 tons, down 5.5% year on year, with an export value of USD 360 million, falling 13.5% year on year. Overseas buyers have slowed raw material procurement, while domestic enterprises prioritize raw material supply for high-end finished products for the domestic market to optimize the allocation of raw down between domestic sales and exports. Self-regulation across the industrial chain keeps improving.
Down bedding
Cumulative exports stood at 22,000 tons, a slight year-on-year decrease of 1.1%, meaning export volume remained largely flat. However, export value came to around USD 150 million, dropping 10.9% year on year amid short-term downward pressure on unit prices. Demand in overseas home furnishing markets stayed steady. Enterprises stabilized core business volume by maintaining overseas sales channels and enriching product styles, boasting strong resilience against market fluctuations.
Down apparel
Cumulative exports totaled 4.16 million pieces, a 19.4% year-on-year decline, with an export value of roughly USD 130 million, down 21.8% year on year. Discretionary mass consumer spending cooled off periodically amid high overseas inflation, compounded by the trend of diversified global manufacturing layout. Domestic manufacturers are accelerating transformation toward high-value-added outdoor and high-performance functional down jackets, gradually reducing reliance on low-end OEM production and rebuilding long-term competitiveness.
Down sleeping bags
Cumulative exports reached 239,000 units, surging 22.7% year on year, with an export value of USD 15.722 million, rising 10.0% year on year. The global camping and outdoor economy keeps booming, supporting robust and resilient demand for functional outdoor down products.
II. Monthly Trend in May: New Growth Drivers Gain Momentum, Steady Progress in Industrial Upgrading
Total exports in May alone amounted to around USD 160 million. Positive signals emerged amid the industry's proactive structural adjustments:
Raw down & feathers
Exports reached 3,106.5 tons valued at USD 78.278 million. Manufacturers attach greater importance to retaining premium clients and fostering long-term partnerships in raw material exports, underpinning stable operation of the whole industrial chain.
Down bedding
Exports hit 4,421.1 tons worth USD 30.807 million. April had seen both volume and value growth for bedding (export volume up 14.1% YoY, export value up 14.7% YoY), reflecting sustained overseas demand for high-quality bedding, and the segment maintained stable performance in May.
Down apparel
Exports totaled 1.457 million pieces with an export value of USD 47.388 million. The industry is speeding up its shift from traditional OEM manufacturing to branded and differentiated production. Strategies to raise product added value are being rolled out in an orderly manner, continuously lifting long-term competitive strength.
Down sleeping bags
Exports stood at 55,000 units, up 14.7% year on year, with an export value of USD 2.906 million, edging up 1.6% year on year. Sleeping bags sustained solid growth momentum, backed by buoyant market demand for functional outdoor goods.
