I wonder though if in the uk demand is less because of affordability this year ?
Think a large part of it is although the Asian market has got more expensive in recent years people still get attracted by the top grade top specs that they produce certainly the specs to @Jonnys point 2lb 9oz gauge fillers they do produce and the majority don’t realise it’s 104mm wide maybe 100-102 at the back angled edges, thin handle and god knows what under all the stickers. Now please don’t get me wrong there are plenty of good and great bats that come from that part of the world but the amount of people that get a bat that they either know to be Asian made or believe is uk when it’s imported and then expect the same specs from a genuine uk maker is nuts.
Costs are rising that’s for sure clefts are now twice 2021 prices, handles are more expensive.
As for the prices of main stream bats they are crazy but brands advertising works. As people still pay it just for stickers. £650
For a Keeley or £400 for a Keeley with other stickers. £550-£650 for a G1 from GM/GN/Kook etc and I say G1 as I’m going to say it until I die there is no such thing as pro grade just nicer G1 it’s still a G1 or £300-£350 for a G1 from a small independent. The difference very often is the stickers