On 8thSeptember, 2015, the 21stChina, Japan and Taiwan Region Three Party Talks convened in Yokohama, Japan. More than 200 representatives from China, Japan and Taiwan region joined this meeting. Thanks to the host, Japan Down Products Corporative Association (JDFA), who made elaborated preparations, all participators not only exchanged the latest market information but also experienced local customs and great hospitality of Japan during this great gathering.

Opening address: suffer downward pressure, hold challenge and chance

Mr. Hiroshi Yanagiba, the Chairman of Japan Down Products Corporative Association

As the host, Mr. Hiroshi Yanagiba, the Chairman ofJapan Down Products Corporative Associationmade opening speech firstly. He welcomed all representatives and introduced the current situation of Japan market. In the past three years, affected by the sharp rise of raw martial price and consumption tax, the purchasing power decreased obviously. Since the second half year of 2014, although raw material price declined, the market hasn’t enjoyed bright outlook under the condition of accelerated devaluation of Japanese currency. JDFA would continue to promote the reliability of Gold Label, carry out strict measures to guarantee product quality, and make unremitting efforts to increase market purchasing power.

Madam Yao Xiaoman, the Chairwoman of CFDIA

After Mr. Hiroshi Yanagiba’s address, Madam Yao Xiaoman, the Chairwoman of China Feather and Down Industry Association (CFDIA) gave her opening speech. She expressed her congratulation to the successful opening and sincere thanks to effective works of JDFA. Chairwoman Yao stressed that China down industry suffered unoptimistic market circumstance in the first half year of 2015. The export data of second quarter showed that the total export amount from China to Japan dropped nearly 20%, meanwhile reduced 68% to Taiwan region. What’s more, because of Warm Winter in consecutive years, domestic market suffered great downward pressure and the industry has been stuck in depressed situation. In order to keep healthy development of feather and down market as well as maintain normal order, CFDIA would insist to fight against fake and defective products, at same time promote the work of revision and unification of China Down Standards.

Mr.Chen Koon Yaw, the Chairmanof Taiwan Feather Exporters’ Association

Mr. Chen Koon Yaw, the Chairman of Taiwan Feather Exporters’ Association gave his speech in the end. He reviewed the dramatic price increasing of raw material since 2009 and gradual price decrease after hitting the historic height in May 2013. Chairman Chen thought that although influenced by multi factors eg.Avian Influenza, it has been normal to see price increase or decrease. Currently, the down market had too intense locality and it was negative for the whole industry. Insiders should work hard to integrate quality standards and unify testing methods.

Market report: conclude the first half year market condition, propose new moves to maintain quality

China Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Madam Yao Xiaoman, the Chairwoman of CFDIA

China Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Madam Yao Xiaoman, the Chairwoman of CFDIA. Compared with the previous report in June (China report from IDFB meeting), the new report added theimport and export dataof the second quarter of 2015. It showed that to varying degrees, export volume for raw material, beddings and sleeping bags all suffered decline respectively, except down garment enjoyed slight increase. But the decline of export amount was much bigger than that of export volume. The total export amount of the first half year was 1.11963 billion USD, which decreased 30%comparedthan 2014. In the first half year, the average price for raw material dropped 36.7% sharply than the same period last year. It also explained the reason why for raw material, export amount fell much greater than export volume. China Market Report predicted that the export amount of China down industry would drop obviously because of raw material price decline in 2015.

Taiwan Region Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Mrs. Sandy Huang, the Secretary General of Taiwan Feather Exporters’ Association.

Taiwan Region Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Mrs. Sandy Huang, the Secretary General of Taiwan Feather Exporters’ Association. According to the import and export data, compared with 2014, Taiwan region imported about 6,000 tons raw material from January to May 2015, which fell 20.47%. Import amount was 60 million USD decreased 41.72%. And average unit price was 10.52 USD, decreased 26.74%. The export volume was about 80 million USD, dropped 42.95% and average unit price was 23.02 USD, dropped 14.93%. Mrs. Sandy Huang particularly introduced theAvian Influenza outbreak in January. The outbreak seriously affected local supply quantity of duck and goose. According to the statistic from January to July, compared with 2014, the slaughter volume of duck and goose decreased about 10% and 65% respectively. But because of the entire depressed raw material market, Avian Influenza outbreak did not have big impact on the price.

Japan Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Mr. Masao Yamamoto, the Senior Managing Director of Japan Down Products Corporative Association

Japan Feather and Down Market Report, represented by Mr. Masao Yamamoto, the Senior Managing Director of JDFA. In the first half year, Japan market imported 958 thousand quilts, increased 1.7% than 2014. Compared with same time last year, Quilts imported from China increased 26 thousand whereas that from Vietnam decreased 11 thousand. Import volume from China and Vietnam accounted 99.5% for the total. But for import unit price, China decreased 3.5% but Vietnam increased 13.5%. In April 2015, JDFA punished three member enterprises, which were banned to use Gold Label within three years, for their incorrect labeling of the place of origin. It was also the most severe punishment since the foundation of JDFA.

Regarding to the increased dust mix in filling material of imported down products, JDFA also set  up Mixed Dust Content Ratio Test Method. This method used Metallic Mesh Adjustable Box (stainless steel) for measurement. (Same size with JIS L 1903 down power pretreatment box). In recent years, JDFA has continuously released testing methods for landfowl feather, couche evalution, place of origin and mixed dust content ratio. JDFA has been aimed to provide superior products to customers.

On the day of meeting, JDFA also organized visiting tour and welcome dinner for representatives. On 9thSeptember, the 21stThree Party Talks closed successfully. In September 2016, the 22ndThree Party Talks would hold in Taiwan region.