Cable Exports Hit a New High in 2025, Infrastructure Expansion Along the Routes Releases Sustained Momentum

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's full-year wire and cable exports in 2025 totaled 2.9936 million mt, up 12.65% YoY, with copper wire and cable exports reaching 1.441 million mt, an increase of 23.29% YoY.

Data source: General Administration of Customs Unit: mt

In terms of export markets, China's copper wire and cable exports in 2025 increased by 23.29% YoY, driven by changes in the global supply-demand pattern and enhanced domestic industrial competitiveness. On one hand, regions such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East are in a critical period of infrastructure expansion and energy transition, where local capacity cannot meet the surging construction demand, creating significant rigid reliance on imported cables. On the other hand, the domestic industry leverages the cluster effect of the entire industry chain and large-scale manufacturing capabilities, ensuring product quality while establishing advantages in efficient delivery. Additionally, continuous breakthroughs by enterprises in the high-end special cable sector have further strengthened the competitiveness of Chinese cables in mid-to-high-end international markets. The US imposed an additional 50% tariff on products such as copper wire and cable, which, combined with existing tariffs, led to a sharp increase in the cost of Chinese products, eroding price competitiveness. Meanwhile, some orders shifted back, causing Chinese enterprises to reduce exports to the US due to squeezed profit margins.

From the perspective of export provinces, China's copper wire and cable exports in 2025 covered 31 provinces, with Jiangsu ranking first at 31.14 kt, followed by Zhejiang (20.11 kt) and Guangdong (20.03 kt). The combined share of these three provinces in total national exports declined YoY.
Looking ahead to 2026, the global macro-economic recovery is expected to drive a rebound in industrial electricity demand, while power grid upgrades and infrastructure needs in Belt and Road and Southeast Asian countries continue to release, providing ample momentum for export growth. Meanwhile, with the enhanced competitiveness of China's high-end copper semis, the overall growth trend is set to continue.