PEARL REPORT 2021

PEARL REPORT | 41 | 2021-2022 市場情報 The bonded pearl fair in Shenzhen in March 2021. Photo courtesy of Shenzhen Pearl Trade Association 2021 年 3 月深圳保稅珍珠交易會，圖片由深圳市珍珠行業協會提供 Freshwater pearls Annual production of freshwater pearls reached more than 5,000 tonnes during peak production. In 2020 however, production was reduced to just over 500 tonnes due to environmental protection requirements, restrictions on farming conditions and rising costs. Amid lower production, the quality of pearls has improved tremendously, owing to farmers’ increased technical input. Pearls now come in more colours and sizes of more than 20mm in diameter. The country’s more stringent environmental protection laws boded well for China’s cultured pearl industry as it ushered in a fresh era of quality enhancement. Pearl farmers in various regions are actively exploring new culturing methods and technologies to advance pearl cultivation while achieving sustainable development. Leading pearl companies meanwhile focus on research and quality improvement to further strengthen the global positioning of China’s freshwater pearls. Business in a pandemic Covid-19 undoubtedly had a massive impact on the jewellery business, hampering travel and trade. To jumpstart activities in the market, Shenzhen Jewelry Industry Service Co Ltd hosted a bonded trade fair in March 2021. The event, launched by the Jewelry and Jade Bonded Service trading platform of Shenzhen, allowed jewellers to view and purchase foreign goods without leaving China. Pearl companies meanwhile seek assistance from trade associations. The Shenzhen Pearl Trade Association presently has more than 100 members including well-known pearl companies from Guangdong, Guangxi, Zhejiang and Hainan Provinces. According to Tu Xingcai, president of Shenzhen Pearl Trade Association, the group works closely with Shenzhen Customs, Luohu district government and other departments to ensure seamless transaction channels, integrate industrial resources, reduce costs for enterprises and transform the pearl industry from a traditional import and export model to bonded logistics. This transformation promotes further development of the pearl industry and enhances the voice of Shenzhen jewellers while striving to convert the seller’s market to a buyer’s market.