Changshu city is the largest down clothe production base in China. The production accounts for one-third of the country, as out of 4000 local textile and garment enterprises, more than 1,000 manufacturers down clothes.
In recent years, the domestic down clothe market continued its growth, which led to an expansion of garment enterprises in Changshu city. Many garment manufacturers, which did not produce down clothes in the past have joined this trade, and some down clothes enterprises have also expanded production.
Hoever, abnormal temperatures in 2006 winter caused a great shock to down clothe market and as a result, local down clothe backlog reached 20 million pieces in last year. A piece of down clothe costs around RMB150, and hence the whole industry's backlog amounts to 4 billion yuan.
At present, in Changshu City, many production enterprises have begun to restructure their production units and start manufacturing jackets.