In Taixing, China, a mahjong workshop operates from a village home. Workers meticulously inspect each tile to ensure flawlessness before shipping them to the U.S., where sets sell for hundreds of dollars. The workshop is part of Taixing Senju Cultural Entertainment Supplies, and it caters to high-end demands from American clients.
Mahjong, originating in China in the late 1800s, gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1920s. Recently, its revival has been fueled by social media trends. Wang Hao, co-owner of the workshop, observed a significant increase in mahjong searches on Alibaba.com. He left his job to focus on distributing mahjong to the U.S. To meet differing tastes, American-style mahjong tiles are designed smaller and more colorful, made from acrylic, unlike the melamine used traditionally in China.
Our clients are selling these mahjong sets for $300 to $400, said Wang Hao, co-owner of the workshop.
The surge in demand from the U.S. has pushed Taixing producers to capacity. This demand has led to a shift from distribution to direct manufacturing for Wang. Traditional production methods had to be rethought, as American buyers favored the lighter acrylic tiles. This demand contrasts the flat domestic market, following peaks during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Second-generation producer Zhu Xingyao adapted to these changes early. His factory, Taixing City Jiale Melamine Products, focused on vibrant acrylic tiles for export, shifting away from serving primarily domestic customers. The domestic market became fiercely competitive, a phenomenon known in China as neijuan, reflecting the struggle across various industries.
Despite lower costs from emerging manufacturers, U.S. clients prioritize quality over price. According to Ju Jiaojuan, a potential client at Wang’s workshop, the current opportunity to capitalize on this market may last two to three years before competition intensifies. Wang focuses on meticulous product presentation, important for social media promotion, ensuring the packaging enhances the unboxing experience.
Amid ongoing orders and rising demand, the Taixing mahjong industry adapts to new opportunities, catering to American markets while navigating competitive pressures at home.
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