DATA SHARE JAN-DEC 2025

China Fiberglass Import & Export 

Annual Trade Data Review (January-December 2025)

Report Source: China Fiberglass Industry Association (CFIA)
Publication Date: February 5, 2026
 

Executive Summary

In 2025, China's fiberglass industry demonstrated remarkable resilience amid complex global trade environments. While export volume experienced a modest contraction, export value achieved positive growth, indicating continuous improvement in product added-value. Import value surged significantly, reflecting strong domestic demand for high-end fiberglass products.

Key Highlights:

• Export Volume: 1.9496 million tons (-3.6% YoY)
• Export Value: USD 2.852 billion (+1.6% YoY)
• Import Volume: 104,100 tons (+0.8% YoY)
• Import Value: USD 1.191 billion (+32.9% YoY)
• Trade Surplus: Maintained at 1.8455 million tons

I. Export Performance Analysis

 Annual Export Overview

Context: In 2024, China's fiberglass exports reached a historic high of 2.022 million tons. The 2025 figure of 1.95 million tons, while showing a slight decline, remains at an elevated historical level, demonstrating industry resilience.

Export Resilience Factors

Despite facing multiple challenges in 2025:

• April: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145%;
• July onwards: Dual-use item export controls extended customs clearance times;
• Ongoing: Global trade policy uncertainty.

The industry achieved only a 3.6% volume decline while increasing export value by 1.6%, indicating successful product upgrading and market diversification.

II. Import Performance Analysis

Annual Import Overview

The substantial value increase (32.9%) against minimal volume growth (0.8%) indicates China's continued reliance on imported high-value fiberglass products, particularly for advanced applications.

 Import Dependency Analysis

The dominance of commodity yarn (75.6% share) in imports suggests:

• Domestic supply gaps in high-performance fiber types;
• Continued demand for specialized fibers (low-Dk, high-modulus) for electronics and aerospace;
• Quality requirements in premium applications not fully met by domestic production.

III. Trade Balance and Structural Evolution

Five-Year Trade Evolution

Key Observations:

• China maintains a dominant net exporter position (18.55:1 ratio);
• Total trade value reached USD 4.04 billion, a new record;
• Export value growth (+1.6%) outpaced volume decline (-3.6%), confirming value chain upgrading .

Value Chain Positioning

Export Value per Kilogram:

• 2024: ~USD 1.39/kg
• 2025: ~USD 1.46/kg (+5.4%)

Import Value per Kilogram:

• 2024: ~USD 8,300/ton
• 2025: ~USD 11,400/ton (+37%)

The widening price gap between import and export unit values (USD 11,400 vs USD 1,460) highlights the different market positioning: China exports commodity-grade products while importing high-performance specialty fibers.

IV. Market Drivers and Policy Environment

Domestic Market Recovery

The 2025 data reflects a strategic shift in industry focus:

• Wind Energy: Rapid capacity expansion drove demand for high-performance fibers;
• Electronics: Low-Dk fiberglass demand surged for 5G/6G infrastructure;
• New Energy Vehicles: Lightweighting trends increased composite adoption.

Domestic apparent consumption reached approximately 5.64 million tons in 2024 (+1.6% YoY), reducing export dependency.

 International Trade Challenges

U.S. Market Impact:

• July 2025 exports to U.S.: 12,400 tons (7.7% of monthly total) across 30 product categories;
• Tariff pressures forced supply chain reconfiguration;
• Some orders were cancelled or redirected to alternative markets.

Diversification Success:

• September 2025 exports surged 16.4% YoY;
• Emerging markets in Belt & Road and BRICS countries absorbed diverted volumes;
• Enterprise overseas capacity expansion accelerated.

 Policy Responses

• Export Controls: Dual-use item regulations (July 2025) affected customs clearance but prevented technology outflow;
• Domestic Stimulus: Infrastructure and renewable energy investments supported internal demand;
• Technology Upgrading: Industry association promoted innovation-driven development strategies.

V. Strategic Implications and Outlook

 Key Trends Identified

1. Value Over Volume: Industry successfully transitioned from scale expansion to quality improvement;
2. Domestic-First Strategy: Reduced vulnerability to external trade shocks through domestic market cultivation;
3. Product Upgrading: Deep-processed products (mats, prepregs) gaining export share;
4. Import Substitution Opportunity: High-value imports (USD 1.19 billion) indicate room for domestic capability enhancement.

 2026 Outlook

Opportunities:

• Continued global renewable energy expansion;
• Electric vehicle lightweighting trends;
• 5G/6G infrastructure deployment requiring low-Dk materials.

Risks:

• Persistent U.S.-China trade tensions;
• Potential overcapacity in commodity roving segments;
• Geopolitical fragmentation of supply chains.

Recommendations:

• Accelerate R&D in high-modulus, low-Dk specialty fibers;
• Expand overseas production bases to circumvent tariffs;
• Strengthen vertical integration in composites value chain;
• Develop circular economy solutions for fiberglass recycling.

VI. Conclusion

China's fiberglass industry navigated a challenging 2025 with strategic resilience. While export volumes moderated from record highs, value growth and structural optimization demonstrated industry maturity. The significant import value surge (32.9%) reveals ongoing technology gaps in high-performance fibers, presenting both challenges and opportunities for domestic innovation.

The industry's shift toward a "dual circulation" strategy—prioritizing domestic demand while maintaining export competitiveness—positions it well for sustainable long-term growth amid global uncertainty.

Source from: China Fiberglass Industry Association