China’s fiber optic market is experiencing a sharp upswing: in the first quarter, many manufacturers saw considerable increases in output and sales, with the prices for certain product types surging by hundreds of percent. According to CCTV and industry intelligence, the demand for optical fiber and cable has skyrocketed both domestically and internationally, most notably in North America and Southeast Asian nations.
The most dramatic increases were observed in popular fiber specifications. For instance, the cost of G.657.A2 fiber, reported by a Jiangsu-based firm, escalated from ¥32 per core-kilometer last year to ¥240 this year—representing an approximate 650% jump. Data from CRU indicates that the price for the widely used G.652.D fiber climbed from under ¥20 per core-kilometer at the close of 2025 to ¥85–¥120 by April 2026, marking a more than fourfold rise.
Amidst this robust demand, companies are reporting full operational capacity, with order backlogs extending into the first quarter of 2027.
In an effort to keep pace with market dynamics, firms are boosting their production capabilities. Hengtong Optoelectronics has finalized the initial phase of expanding its new fiber optic material development and manufacturing center, while Far East Co., Ltd. is set to augment its production lines by 2026.
About the Author
