Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report for Southern Red Agate (Gannan Red)

I. Market Overview and Price Data

In the second quarter of 2024, the overall Southern Red Agate market showed a steady upward trend, with Gannan Red, as a premium variety of Southern Red Agate, performing particularly well. This quarter saw varying degrees of price increases for both raw Gannan Red materials and finished products, with high market activity.

Raw Material Prices:
* Common Material (lighter color, more cracks): Price range of 500-1500 RMB/kg, an increase of approximately 5% quarter-on-quarter. Primarily used for carving small pieces or as leftover material for bead strings.
* Medium Material (uniform color, few cracks): Price range of 2000-8000 RMB/kg, an increase of approximately 8% quarter-on-quarter. This type of raw material is the main force in market transactions, with a large volume of shipments.
* Premium Material (Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, Brocade Red, no or minor cracks): Price range of 10000-50000 RMB/kg, with some top-tier pieces even exceeding 100,000 RMB/kg, an increase of approximately 10-15% quarter-on-quarter. This type of raw material is mostly used for high-end collection and customization.

Finished Product Prices:
* Bead Strings (diameter 8-12mm, common quality): Price range of 80-300 RMB/gram, an increase of approximately 5% quarter-on-quarter.
* Bead Strings (diameter 8-12mm, premium quality): Price range of 400-1200 RMB/gram, an increase of approximately 8-10% quarter-on-quarter.
* Carvings (common quality): Price range of 50-200 RMB/gram, mainly depending on carving craftsmanship and theme, an increase of approximately 3-5% quarter-on-quarter.
* Carvings (premium quality, by renowned carvers): Price range of 300-1500 RMB/gram, or even higher, an increase of approximately 8-12% quarter-on-quarter.

Trading Volume:
The overall trading volume of Gannan Red in this quarter increased by approximately 15% compared to the previous quarter, with online trading platforms and live streaming sales becoming significant growth drivers. Offline physical store sales also maintained steady growth.

II. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Resource Scarcity Continues to Drive Price Increases: As a non-renewable resource, the increasing depletion of high-quality Gannan Red ore is the fundamental reason for price increases. With increasing mining difficulties and strict government control over mineral resources, the supply of high-quality Gannan Red will be even tighter in the future, and prices are expected to continue their upward trend.

  • Increased Consumer Awareness: With the popularization of Southern Red Agate cultural knowledge and media promotion, more and more consumers are recognizing the unique value and collection potential of Gannan Red, leading to sustained strong market demand.

  • Enhanced Investment and Collection Attributes: In the current economic environment, some investors are turning their attention to art and collectibles with potential for value preservation and appreciation. Gannan Red, with its rarity and aesthetic appeal, has become an important investment choice.

  • Integration of Online and Offline Development: The rise of new media marketing models such as live streaming and short videos has greatly expanded the sales channels for Gannan Red, reduced transaction costs, and improved market efficiency. Online transactions are expected to continue rapid growth in the future.

  • Increased Quality Differentiation: Market demand for high-quality Gannan Red will remain strong, with greater price appreciation potential. While common quality Gannan Red also sees increases, the growth rate is relatively limited. The market will increasingly focus on quality and craftsmanship.


III. Price Comparison by Quality Grade

| Quality Grade | Raw Material Price (RMB/kg) | Finished Bead String Price (RMB/gram) | Finished Carving Price (RMB/gram) |
| :------------ | :-------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------- |
| Common | 500-1500 | 80-300 | 50-200 |
| Medium | 2000-8000 | 300-800 | 150-500 |
| Premium | 10000-50000+ | 800-1200+ | 500-1500+ |

IV. Investment Advice

  • Prioritize High-Quality Premiums: For investors and collectors, it is recommended to focus on high-quality Gannan Red such as Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, and Brocade Red, which have pure color, fine texture, and no or minor cracks. Such premium pieces not only have higher aesthetic value but also greater future appreciation potential.

  • Pay Attention to Carving and Design: The value of finished Gannan Red is not only in the material itself; exquisite carving and ingenious design can also significantly enhance its artistic value and market price. It is advisable to choose works by renowned carvers or those with unique cultural connotations.

  • Beware of Market Risks: There are instances of misrepresentation, dyeing, and counterfeiting in the market. Investors should be vigilant, choose reputable sellers, and seek assistance from professional appraisal agencies if needed.

  • Long-Term Holding Strategy: The investment return cycle for Southern Red Agate is relatively long. A long-term holding strategy is recommended, avoiding short-term speculative behavior.

  • Diversified Allocation: Investors can allocate Gannan Red as part of their asset portfolio, combining it with other investment products to diversify risks, based on their risk tolerance.


Conclusion: The Gannan Red market showed strong performance in the second quarter of 2024, with steady price increases and robust market demand. It is expected that the Gannan Red market will remain active in the future, with high-quality premium pieces continuing to be the preferred choice for investment and collection.