Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-25 03:43Core Viewpoint - The optical fiber and cable market is experiencing a significant price surge driven primarily by the demand from AI data centers, rather than traditional drivers like FTTH or 5G construction [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Since the end of 2025, the price of G.652.D bare fiber has been continuously rising, surpassing 30 yuan per core kilometer by February 2026, with actual transaction prices concentrated between 40 to 50 yuan per core kilometer, reflecting an increase of 94% to 144% [1]. - The demand structure for optical fibers has fundamentally changed due to the high consumption levels and specifications required by AI data centers, which exceed those of traditional telecom networks [1]. - The demand for special fibers like G.657.A2 and hollow-core fibers has surged to meet the low-latency and high-bandwidth interconnection needs of GPU clusters [1]. Group 2: Supply Constraints - The core raw material for optical fibers, optical preform, accounts for about 70% of the fiber's cost and has a long production cycle of 1.5 to 2 years, leading to tight supply constraints [2]. - Following previous years of price wars and supply clearances, there has been little large-scale expansion in production capacity, causing a mismatch between rising demand and constrained supply [2]. - As high-end special fiber demand surges, preform manufacturers prioritize capacity for higher-margin products, further squeezing the production of standard fibers like G.652.D [2]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Companies with optical preform production capacity, such as Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable, Hengtong Optic-electric, Zhongtian Technology, FiberHome, and Hangzhou Hikvision, are expected to benefit significantly from the price increase [3]. - Key suppliers in the upstream of the computing power supply chain, particularly in the optical module sector like Zhongji Xuchuang and NewEase, as well as optical device manufacturers like Tianfu Communication and Shijia Photon, are also highlighted as potential investment targets [3]. - Companies with advanced technological reserves, particularly those involved in next-generation technologies like hollow-core fibers, are likely to see valuation catalysts as these technologies enter operator trials [3].