Counterfeit goods disturbed market prices Home textiles were marketed by Li Gui

Recently, when we asked entrepreneurs about the most pressing issue in their businesses, many mentioned counterfeit products in the Home Textile market. This is a recurring problem, but it continues to plague the industry like a chronic illness that never truly goes away. What's new, however, is how advanced and realistic these counterfeits have become, making them harder to detect and thus more frustrating for consumers and genuine manufacturers alike. During an interview with Sun Fengqin, Chairman of Inner Mongolia Xinlong Cold-proof Products Factory, she highlighted the severe impact of fake cashmere quilts on the market. Cashmere is known for its softness, breathability, and warmth—qualities that make it highly desirable for bedding. Most high-quality cashmere comes from Inner Mongolia, where the region produces 60% of the world’s supply. The raw material alone costs between 950,000 to 1.16 million yuan per ton, which makes real cashmere quilts expensive. According to Sun, if the price of cashmere is around 1 million yuan per ton, a 2x2.3-meter double cashmere quilt weighing 2,000 grams would require 2,000 grams of raw material. That means one ton of cashmere can produce up to 500 quilts, translating to a minimum cost of 2,000 yuan per quilt. However, Sun pointed out that some markets are selling similar products for less than $1,000, which is far below the actual production cost. These products are often not even made from genuine cashmere, and many come from southern regions, increasing production costs further. Sun also shared her frustration with entering second- and third-tier cities, where the market is flooded with low-cost, low-quality products. Her company’s products are significantly more expensive, making it hard for consumers to justify the price. “Many people don’t understand why they’re being deceived,” she said. Wang Wenyi, Chairman of Silkworm Empress, echoed similar concerns. He explained that counterfeit silk products disrupt the pricing system, especially in group purchase markets. Many buyers are unaware that the silk they're purchasing may be mixed with other fibers or of poor quality. As a result, consumers assume that silk products should be cheap, which undermines the value of genuine, high-quality goods. The pressure to compete on price has led some brands to cut corners. Wang noted that while discounts are common, some companies resort to using inferior materials just to stay competitive. This creates a cycle where real products struggle to gain traction, and the market becomes increasingly chaotic. Consumers, too, are caught in a dilemma. While they want to avoid fakes, they are often drawn in by low prices. Some choose discounted big-brand products, believing they offer better guarantees than cheaper alternatives. Others shop around for the best deals, prioritizing the price-to-performance ratio. Despite the challenges, brands like Xinlong continue to focus on quality over quantity. Originally a small cold-proof product factory, Xinlong has evolved into a top producer of cashmere and camel wool. Its patented technology ensures clean, pollution-free processing and long-lasting durability. Sun Fengqin emphasized that her goal is to provide the best products, even if it means slower growth. With a 30-year guarantee, Xinlong stands out in a market full of fakes. While the road is tough, the company remains committed to quality and transparency. In the end, it’s not just about beating the counterfeiters—it’s about proving that true craftsmanship and innovation can still win.