Q2 2026 Jade Market Analysis Report: High-End Market Remains Strong, Mid-to-Low End Market Divergence Intensifies

Date: April 2, 2026

Executive Summary

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Chinese jade market for the second quarter of 2026. Based on the latest market data, we observe that prices for high-end jadeite and Hetian jade categories continue to be robust, with some rare items even showing slight increases. The mid-range market exhibits a clear polarization, where high-quality and exquisitely crafted products remain sought after, while ordinary quality products face price pressure. The low-end market is highly competitive, with significant price fluctuations. We anticipate that the high-end market will maintain stable growth, while the mid-to-low end market will need to focus more on quality and brand building to meet challenges.

I. Market Overview

Entering the second quarter of 2026, the overall Chinese jade market shows a steady yet progressive trend. The gradual recovery of the macro-economy and the increasing consumer demand for traditional culture and investment preservation have provided a favorable development environment for the jade market. However, structural contradictions within the market persist, with significant differences observed across various jade categories and qualities.

II. Price Trend Analysis by Category

#### 1. Jadeite Market

* Glassy Jadeite (High-End): Price range from ¥50,000 to ¥15,000,000. As the top-tier category of jadeite, glassy jadeite has demonstrated strong resilience and value appreciation capabilities over the past quarter. Particularly, some collection-grade, vibrant green, high-ice glassy jadeite pieces have seen continuous price increases, with rare exquisite items even experiencing a 10%-15% surge. Market enthusiasm for these resources remains high, with scarcity being the core reason for their robust pricing.

* Icy Jadeite (High-End): Price range from ¥5,000 to ¥300,000. The icy jadeite market performed steadily, with fine texture, good translucency, and pure color premium icy jadeite maintaining stable prices and showing a slight upward trend. However, ordinary icy jadeite, especially those with impurities or uneven color, experienced relatively larger price fluctuations, with market acceptance decreasing.

* Glutinous Jadeite (Mid-Range): Price range from ¥1,000 to ¥50,000. The glutinous jadeite market shows clear differentiation. Better quality glutinous jadeite with good translucency and texture, such as icy-glutinous or fine-glutinous, remains popular among consumers due to its high cost-performance ratio, with prices remaining stable. In contrast, ordinary glutinous jadeite with rough texture and insufficient translucency faces significant sales pressure, with prices declining as some vendors offer promotions to clear inventory.

* Bean Jadeite (Low-End): Price range from ¥200 to ¥5,000. As an entry-level product, the bean jadeite market is extremely competitive. Prices are mainly influenced by craftsmanship, carving themes, and vendor positioning. Overall, bean jadeite prices tend to be stable, but profit margins are further compressed. Consumers are highly price-sensitive for these products, and quality requirements are gradually increasing, with lower acceptance for items with cracks or flaws.

#### 2. Hetian Jade Market

* Mutton Fat Jade (High-End): Price range from ¥30,000 to ¥5,000,000. As the pinnacle of Hetian jade, mutton fat jade's market performance is similar to glassy jadeite, showing continuous strength. Particularly, exquisite mutton fat jade with clear origin, warm and delicate texture, and no flaws has seen stable to rising prices, with its collection value highly recognized by the market. Investors and collectors remain enthusiastic, and insufficient supply is the main reason for its high prices.

* White Jade (Mid-to-High End): Price range from ¥5,000 to ¥200,000. High-quality white jade, especially fine and moist籽料 (seed material), maintains strong prices. Quality white jade from mountain material and Russian material also attracts market attention. However, ordinary white jade, especially those with less delicate texture or insufficient oiliness, lacks upward price momentum and even experienced slight corrections.

* Qingbai Jade (Mid-Range): Price range from ¥1,000 to ¥30,000. The Qingbai jade market is stable. High-quality Qingbai jade products with uniform color and delicate texture still have market demand, with little price fluctuation. However, there is a large supply of ordinary Qingbai jade in the market, leading to fierce competition and difficulty in price breakthroughs.

* Biyu (Green Jade) (Mid-Range): Price range from ¥500 to ¥50,000. The Biyu market shows diversified development. Premium spinach green and apple green Biyu, especially exquisite Russian Biyu, are sought after for their vibrant color and oily texture, with prices stable to rising. In contrast, Biyu with uneven color, black spots, or rough texture has lower market acceptance and faces greater downward price pressure.

III. Market Trend Judgments

  • High-End Market to Continue Leading: Scarcity, value preservation, and cultural identity are the core drivers for the sustained growth of the high-end jade market. In the future, the collection and investment value of top-tier jadeite and Hetian jade will become even more prominent.

  • Mid-Range Market Divergence Intensifies: Consumer demand for quality in mid-range jade is increasing. Products with unique designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and good brand reputation will be more competitive, while highly homogenized and ordinary quality goods will face greater market pressure.

  • Importance of Brand and Cultural Added Value Increases: As the market matures, consumers no longer solely focus on the material of the jade but also on its cultural connotations, brand stories, and design philosophy. Businesses with strong brand images and cultural output capabilities will gain more market share.

  • Online-Offline Integration Accelerates: E-commerce platforms and live streaming play an increasingly important role in jade sales. In the future, online-offline integration will become mainstream, offering a more convenient and transparent purchasing experience.

  • Rise of Young Consumer Groups: The younger generation of consumers is increasingly accepting of jade, preferring fashionable designs, comfortable wear, and moderately priced jade products. The market needs to develop more innovative products that meet the aesthetics and demands of young consumers.


IV. Investment Recommendations

  • Focus on Scarce High-End Categories: For investors seeking value preservation and long-term collection, it is recommended to focus on high-quality glassy jadeite and mutton fat jade. When purchasing, always pay attention to certificates, origin, and authoritative appraisals.

  • Carefully Select Quality Products in the Mid-Range Market: Mid-range investors can choose high-quality, exquisitely crafted icy jadeite, premium white jade, and distinctive Biyu. These products offer good wearing value and some appreciation potential.

  • Beware of Risks in the Low-End Market: The low-end jade market has large price fluctuations and small profit margins, making it unsuitable for investment. Purchases should primarily be for wearing and appreciation, focusing on cost-performance and personal preference.

  • Prioritize Quality and Reputation: Regardless of the jade category, choose reputable vendors with good standing and request authoritative appraisal certificates to avoid purchasing counterfeit or inferior products.

  • Acquire Professional Knowledge: Jade investment has a high barrier to entry. Investors are advised to thoroughly learn jade appraisal knowledge before entering the market, improve their discernment skills, or seek professional assistance.


V. Risk Warning

The jade market is influenced by various factors such as macroeconomics, policies and regulations, consumer preferences, and resource supply, and thus carries certain volatility. Investment involves risks; caution is advised. This report is for market analysis purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice.

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