Until 2021, the sunglasses market was expanding rapidly. Beyond that, there was a little downturn in sales. Even though, it’s value is expected to increase this year as well, sales might not reach the 2021 levels. However, high-end glasses, as well as brands that are in the affordable range are expected to grow again.
One research report was published recently, which states that data about Chinese sunglass industries during the period between 2019 and 2023 when the whole world market came to a standstill due to the pandemic situation. The same report also forecasts about the future prospects of this industry between the year 2024 and 2029.
This research report offers a strategic analysis of the sunglasses manufacturers in China, examining the industry’s size, key market players, growth drivers, demand factors, and challenges.
It provides an in-depth overview of market value, import and export dynamics, foreign trade, and pricing trends for major product categories within the industry.
It has been stated that after the pandemic period, slight growth in the sunglass market was observed because people were giving more importance to myopia prevention, as students during those days were engaged more in online classes rather than actual classes.
Technological advancements and innovations
The present year has started with an optimistic note that many new innovations are expected to happen in the sunglass industry. Several cutting-edge technologies will be used to create many different sunglass styles to increase the aesthetic appeal.
Let us briefly discuss a few of the recent advancements that will decide this industry's future.
1. Rise of integrated technology in sunglasses
The introduction of integrated digital technology is one of the most interesting trends observed in the eyewear and sunglasses markets. In the upcoming days, voice-activated assistants, touch controls, and a variety of music players will all come equipped with smart eyewear.
This will enable users to play and listen to the music of their choice, access the directions on their GPS system, or make any phone calls on their mobile phones without even touching them.
2. Enhanced UV protection using photochromic lenses
As we are all aware, sunlight emits UV rays, and constant exposure to such rays can harm our eyes. Therefore, consumers always look for certain protection when buying sunglasses from the market.
So, sunglasses manufacturers in China introduced the photochromic lenses in the market in 2024, which will set a new standard. In these glasses, the lenses will adjust automatically based on the intensity of UV light or darkness.
Using such sunglasses will make people more comfortable on the beaches during the sunny weather. It can protect our eyes better and improve our eye health. Irrespective of whether you are indoors or outside, the lenses will be automatically adjusted.
3. Blue light-blocking technology
Nowadays, most of us are carrying a mobile phone and keep on reading messages and surfing the internet. Also, most professionals work on their laptops. Every household has at least one television set at home which is used for family entertainment.
Thus, people from all walks of life end up spending considerable duration of their time looking at the screen that emits blue light, which is quite harmful to our eyes.
Therefore, people prefer that technology provide solutions so that the blue light emitted from the screens can be suitably blocked and do not strain our eyes. Additionally, this may enhance the quality of our sleep. Digital technology is now available to block such blue light from the sun or the screens of different devices.
4. Sustainable fashion meets functionality: the rise of eco-friendly materials
All over the world, people are quite concerned about environment and Chinese people are no exception. Therefore, whatever items that people buy people try to ensure that it is made of sustainable material that does not damage the mother earth.
As far as sunglasses are concerned the following are two sustainable materials available to use:
- Reclaimed ocean plastics
- Plant-based polymers.
5. High-definition optics for enhanced clarity
These HD optics will help improve the clarity of vision while wearing sunglasses. One can get clarity on one's vision, which has never been experienced before.
Several famous brands have started adopting such technology in their products. This year's innovations offer cutting-edge features, eco-friendly designs, and superior eye protection, enhancing both style and convenience to suit every lifestyle and need.
Market dynamics and consumer preferences
The following are the key factors that are influencing the sunglasses market:
1. Changing consumer preferences
The whitepaper, published in 2023, states that about 50% of consumers prefer to keep two pairs of sunglasses. The same data in 2014 was 14%, which shows that the demand and preferences of consumers to keep multiple glass pairs for special occasions have increased.
For instance, office workers commonly chose black-framed glasses with blue light lenses for daily wear. However, for social events or special occasions, they often switched to contact lenses or stylish frames in vibrant hues. Similarly, during sports and outdoor activities, people favoured lightweight frames in bright colours.
2. Fashion trends
People wear sunglasses to showcase their fashion, too. Therefore, the market for sunglasses can be easily influenced by the current fashion trend. Those who are in the business of sunglass manufacturing must know what the current fashion trend is. Nowadays, people prefer to wear either retro or vintage sunglasses. Therefore, many sunglasses with classic designs are available on the market.
3. Health and protection
People in China these days have become quite health conscious and prefer to protect their eyes. Therefore, you will find that lens materials used for these sunglasses are usually plastic or resin.
Both these two options offer a few benefits, as compared to glass material such as:
- More durability
- Resistant to higher temperature
- Better safety.
4. E-commerce growth
People these days mostly prefer to buy all the necessary items from online platforms. Online platforms offer several advantages, such as timesaving and convenience. Therefore, most people prefer to buy even sunglasses online instead of visiting any offline stores. E-commerce has significantly expanded in recent years.
Comparing market data from 2019 to 2023 reveals a 24.52% increase in e-commerce. Although many consumers still visit physical stores for sunglasses, however, this trend is gradually declining.
5. Brand and quality perception
When making a purchase, the price is often the first consideration for most people. However, now that trend is also slowly shifting to quality and brand value. Customers these days now offer more importance to quality and the manufacturer's brand. A reputed brand with higher quality is preferable these days, and consumers are ready to pay higher prices too.
6. Environmental concerns
As people are now more and more aware of environmental protection, most consumers these days prefer to buy a sustainable product. The same trend is observed when buying sunglasses.
Therefore, most sunglasses manufacturers in China are looking to identify sustainable materials for the sunglasses to meet the demands of their consumers.
Analysis of the Chinese industry for glasses and sunglasses
A market research report was published on the Chinese sunglass manufacturing industries, which discussed the size of the market in this sector in China and what are the main product groups found in the year between 2019 and 2023.
It could answer the following questions:
- What are the dimensions and trends of the Chinese market for sunglasses and eyewear?
- How has the value-based segmentation of the Chinese glasses and sunglasses market changed over the last five years according to product groups?
- How are the segments of the industry divided up?
- Which big trends are influencing the sector?
- Which brands lead the Chinese sunglasses and eyewear market, and what distinguishes them from one another?
- How dispersed is the market for competitors?
- What level of competitiveness exists in light of Porter's five forces?
- What factors and obstacles are influencing the growth of this industry?
As far as Chinese glasses and sunglasses prices are concerned, the above research report has tried to answer the following important questions:
- How does the value chain in an industry form?
- What is the price formation structure?
- How much do sunglasses and glasses cost at retail on average in China, and how much has changed in the last five years?
- What are the average retail prices of the primary product groupings in the industry?
Regarding foreign trade operations of these items in China, the above report answers the following questions:
- Over the past five years, how has the trade balance changed?
- Is China importing more eyewear than it is exporting in each of the primary product categories in the market?
As regards to imports of these items to China, the above research report answered the following questions:
- Over the previous five years, how has the value of sunglasses and eyewear imports to China changed?
- How are the primary product groups used to divide up the imports of Chinese glasses and sunglasses?
- Which countries provide China with the majority of its sunglasses and eyewear imports?
- How much does the average cost of imported sunglasses and glasses cost in China, and how much has changed in the last five years?
Regarding the exports of these items from China, the above report has answered the following questions:
- What was the value shift in the export of Chinese sunglasses over the last five years?
- During the export of eyewear and sunglasses from China, how are the categorised?
- Who are those countries that prefer to buy sunglasses and the related products from China?
- How much price is charged for sunglasses when they are exported to different countries from China?
- How has the export price from China has altered over the last 5 years?
So far as consumption of both glasses and sunglasses in China is concerned, the above research report has answered the following question:
- What is China's per-person value-based consumption of glasses and sunglasses?
- How has it altered over the last five years?
Finally, the above report has concluded its research by offering a rough estimate of the growth of sunglass manufacturing companies based on three main scenarios:
- Basic
- Optimistic
- Pessimistic.
With this, the report has been able to answer the following questions in the last section:
- In each case, how will the Chinese market for eyewear and sunglasses grow over the next six years?
- In the base scenario, what are the anticipated market dynamics for the primary product groups in the industry?
Challenges for the Sunglass manufacturers in China
Although many new innovations have taken place in sunglasses, which has resulted in considerable growth too. There are a few challenges that manufacturers of sunglasses still face that need to be addressed. These challenges are as follows:
1. Intellectual Property (IP) concerns - In China, this has always been a concern, and hence, the sunglasses manufacturers must take special precautions about their own innovations and trademarks. This remains a concern not only for Chinese manufacturers but also for various global brands who want to collaborate with Chinese companies.
2. Regulatory compliance - It is often too challenging to navigate various regulatory compliances about safety and the environment as they are quite complex. This is needed for both domestic and international companies coming to China.
3. Labour costs and working conditions - China is known to offer cheap labour. However, with the rising standard of living, wages are also increasing. Therefore, manufacturers need to balance workers' salaries and product costs properly.
4. Global economic fluctuations - Geo-political situations and economic slowdown often threaten this industry, and the supply chain may get disturbed. Manufacturers must be proactive on this issue.
Conclusion
Thanks to changing customer tastes, technical improvements, and a dynamic industry, Sunglasses manufacturers in China have transformed from being cost-focused producers to leaders in innovation and design.
The industry will be shaped by emerging trends in sustainability, personalization, and tech integration, even with persistent obstacles, including intellectual property rights and regulatory barriers. China’s innovation and adaptability position it to maintain a leading role and influence global trends.
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