Core Insights - The prepreg industry in China is experiencing growth driven by lightweight demands, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and construction sectors, with a projected market size of 150 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting an 8.1% year-on-year increase [1][10][12] - Technological advancements, including smart production and eco-friendly thermoplastic prepregs, are enhancing performance and production efficiency [1][10] - The demand for prepregs is expected to rise from 27.2 million square meters in 2019 to 33.8 million square meters in 2024, while production is projected to reach 27.1 million square meters, resulting in a supply-demand gap of 6.7 million square meters [12] Industry Overview - Prepregs are composite materials made by impregnating continuous fibers or fabrics with resin under controlled conditions, widely used in aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and construction [3][6] - The industry is categorized based on physical state, resin matrix, reinforcement materials, fiber length, and curing temperature [4][6] Industry Chain - The upstream materials for the prepreg industry include reinforcement materials (glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber) and matrix materials (phenolic and epoxy resins) [6] - The midstream involves the manufacturing of prepregs, while the downstream includes the production of composite materials used in various applications [6] Competitive Landscape - The prepreg market is characterized by international firms dominating the high-end market, while Chinese companies focus on the mid to low-end segments [14] - Key international players include Toray and Hexcel, while domestic companies like Zhongfu Shenying and Guangwei Composite are emerging through cost control and technological advancements [14] Market Trends - The demand for high-end prepregs is expected to grow, with ongoing R&D investments aimed at meeting domestic market needs [20] - Continuous innovation in technology, such as nano-modification and rapid curing processes, is anticipated to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of prepregs [21] - The application of prepregs is expanding from high-end sectors like aerospace to consumer markets, including new energy vehicles and sports equipment [23] - The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable development, exploring bio-based and biodegradable resins to reduce environmental impact [24]