Summary of Expert Call on China Glassfiber Cycle Watch Industry Overview - The glass fiber industry is primarily dominated by China, which accounts for over 50% of global capacity. [2] - Major players include Jushi with a market share of 27%, Taishan GF at 12%, and CPIC at 10%, collectively holding around 50% of the market. [2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - As of June 2025, operating capacity reached 8.4 million tons (mt), with full-year production expected to be approximately 8 mt. [2] - Domestic production in the first half of 2025 increased by 10.5% year-over-year (YoY). [2] - Leading producers have shifted their product focus, with over 60% of their output now high-end products, primarily serving the wind power, thermoplastics, and construction sectors. [2] Import and Export Trends - Import volume for the first five months of 2025 rose by 2% YoY, with a preference for high-end products. [3] - Exports declined by 3% YoY, particularly in Europe and the US, while markets in the Middle East, Japan, and Korea saw increases. [3] Inventory and Market Conditions - Price increases at the beginning of the year did not stimulate market demand, leading to effective destocking efforts by manufacturers. [4] - Inventory levels rose gradually in the second quarter, with leading producers experiencing less inventory pressure compared to tier 2 and tier 3 producers. [4] Consumption and Profitability - Apparent consumption for the full year is estimated to exceed 6 mt, reflecting a 13% YoY increase, driven mainly by demand from wind power and thermoplastics. [5] - Wind power installations in 2025 are projected to reach 140 gigawatts (GW), a 75% increase YoY. [5] - Average gross profit per ton in the first half of 2025 was a net loss of RMB 263, with leading producers remaining above the break-even line while tier 2 and tier 3 producers incurred losses. [5] Price Forecast and Market Outlook - Glass fiber prices are expected to remain weak in August, with potential increases in September and October to around RMB 3,500 per ton, before possibly falling to approximately RMB 3,000 per ton by the end of the year. [7] - Low-Dk fabric is identified as a structural bright spot, offering profits approximately ten times higher than normal E-fabric, with a short-term supply gap still present. [7] Key Insights - The glass fiber market is currently at a low point, but differentiated advantages are anticipated to emerge among leading producers. [1] - The shift towards high-end products indicates a strategic response to evolving market demands, particularly in renewable energy sectors. [2][5] - The overall profitability challenges faced by tier 2 and tier 3 producers highlight the competitive pressures within the industry. [5]
中国建筑材料_专家来电谈中国玻璃纤维周期观察-China Construction Materials_ Takeaways from Expert Call with SCI on China Glassfiber Cycle Watch