Optical Fiber, Bundle and Cable Market

The article delves into the projected growth trends of the global market for optical fibers, bundles, and cables from 2022 to 2030. It covers consumption patterns, market performance forecasts, production volumes, import and export dynamics, and key players in the market. Detailed analysis on consumption levels, growth rates, market values, and country-specific trends provide a comprehensive overview of the industry.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for optical fibers, bundles and cables worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight-year period. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +3.8% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 2.4M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +54.4% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $1,713.2B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Optical Fibers, Bundles and Cables

After five years of growth, consumption of optical fibers, bundles and cables decreased by -8.8% to 1.8M tons in 2022. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the maximum volume at 2M tons in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

The size of the market for optical fibers, bundles and cables worldwide fell to $53B in 2022, waning by -9.2% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $65.2B. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the global market failed to regain momentum.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were China (267K tons), the United States (220K tons) and Brazil (127K tons), together accounting for 34% of global consumption. Indonesia, Russia, Canada, Kuwait, the UK, Pakistan, the Philippines, France, Mexico and Turkey lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the Philippines (with a CAGR of +16.5%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($8.6B), China ($7.5B) and Indonesia ($2.2B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, together comprising 35% of the global market. Mexico, Canada, Turkey, the UK, Russia, Kuwait, the Philippines, France, Brazil and Pakistan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

Among the main consuming countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +15.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2022, the highest levels of optical fiber, bundle and cable per capita consumption was registered in Kuwait (13 kg per person), followed by Canada (1.8 kg per person), the UK (0.8 kg per person) and the United States (0.7 kg per person), while the world average per capita consumption of optical fiber, bundle and cable was estimated at 0.2 kg per person.

In Kuwait, optical fiber, bundle and cable per capita consumption declined by an average annual rate of -2.5% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Canada (+8.2% per year) and the UK (+12.2% per year).

Consumption By Type

Optical fiber cables (1.9M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, accounting for 85% of total volume. Moreover, optical fiber cables exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, optical fibers and bundles (327K tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the volume of optical fiber cables consumption totaled +5.0%.

In value terms, the largest types of optical fibers, bundles and cables in terms of market size were optical fibers and bundles ($27.3B) and optical fiber cables ($20.4B).

In terms of the main consumed products, optical fiber cables, with a CAGR of +3.1%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review.

Production

World Production of Optical Fibers, Bundles and Cables

Global optical fiber, bundle and cable production stood at 1.9M tons in 2022, stabilizing at 2021 figures. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 8% against the previous year. Global production peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, optical fiber, bundle and cable production reduced to $44.4B in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $53.9B. From 2019 to 2022, global production growth remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of optical fiber, bundle and cable production was China (697K tons), comprising approx. 37% of total volume. Moreover, optical fiber, bundle and cable production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United States (230K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Brazil (77K tons), with a 4.1% share.

In China, optical fiber, bundle and cable production increased at an average annual rate of +7.8% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (+1.5% per year) and Brazil (+0.0% per year).

Production By Type

Optical fiber cables (1.6M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, accounting for 82% of total volume. Moreover, optical fiber cables exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, optical fibers and bundles (362K tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of optical fiber cables production totaled +3.8%.

In value terms, the largest types of optical fibers, bundles and cables in terms of market size were optical fibers and bundles ($27.7B) and optical fiber cables ($17.8B).

Among the main produced products, optical fiber cables, with a CAGR of +3.5%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review.

Imports

World Imports of Optical Fibers, Bundles and Cables

After two years of growth, supplies from abroad of optical fibers, bundles and cables decreased by -8.4% to 873K tons in 2022. Overall, imports, however, showed prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 35% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of 953K tons, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, optical fiber, bundle and cable imports soared to $14.3B in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +55.5% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 27%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

In 2022, Mexico (97K tons), followed by Canada (64K tons), Brazil (54K tons), Indonesia (51K tons) and the Philippines (51K tons) were the key importers of optical fibers, bundles and cables, together committing 36% of total imports. The following importers - France (35K tons), the UK (28K tons), Germany (20K tons), Tanzania (19K tons), Hong Kong SAR (17K tons), the Netherlands (16K tons), Thailand (16K tons) and Colombia (15K tons) - together made up 19% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Brazil (with a CAGR of +31.3%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest optical fiber, bundle and cable importing markets worldwide were Mexico ($1.3B), the UK ($690M) and Canada ($655M), with a combined 18% share of global imports. France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Hong Kong SAR, Colombia and Tanzania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

Among the main importing countries, the Philippines, with a CAGR of +25.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Optical fiber cables dominates imports structure, reaching 1.1M tons, which was approx. 96% of total imports in 2022. Optical fibers and bundles (45K tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Optical fiber cables was also the fastest-growing in terms of imports, with a CAGR of +11.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, optical fibers and bundles (+6.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of optical fiber cables (+2.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global imports from 2012-2022, the share of optical fibers and bundles (-2.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, optical fiber cables ($11.4B) constitutes the largest type of optical fibers, bundles and cables imported worldwide, comprising 81% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by optical fibers and bundles ($2.7B), with a 19% share of global imports.

For optical fiber cables, imports increased at an average annual rate of +8.9% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices By Type

The average import price for optical fibers, bundles and cables stood at $16,339 per ton in 2022, increasing by 33% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a slight curtailment. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $19,512 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was optical fibers and bundles ($60,796 per ton), while the price for optical fiber cables amounted to $10,045 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by optical fiber and bundle (-1.6%).

Import Prices By Country

The average import price for optical fibers, bundles and cables stood at $16,339 per ton in 2022, surging by 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild decline. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $19,512 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($27,567 per ton), while Tanzania ($1,700 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+6.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Optical Fibers, Bundles and Cables

In 2022, the amount of optical fibers, bundles and cables exported worldwide rose notably to 937K tons, increasing by 14% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, optical fiber, bundle and cable exports soared to $14.2B in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +52.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 28%. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

In 2022, China (433K tons) represented the major exporter of optical fibers, bundles and cables, creating 46% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Mexico (109K tons), India (49K tons) and France (45K tons), together mixing up a 22% share of total exports. The following exporters - the United States (24K tons), Japan (21K tons), South Korea (20K tons), Poland (20K tons), Hong Kong SAR (18K tons), Germany (16K tons) and Romania (14K tons) - together made up 14% of total exports.

Exports from China increased at an average annual rate of +18.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Romania (+36.3%), Mexico (+21.0%), Hong Kong SAR (+18.4%), India (+16.7%), Poland (+14.5%), France (+8.8%) and Japan (+3.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Romania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +36.3% from 2012-2022. Germany experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, South Korea (-2.6%) and the United States (-7.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+23 p.p.), Mexico (+7 p.p.) and India (+2.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the global exports from 2012-2022, the share of Japan (-2.1 p.p.), Germany (-2.6 p.p.), South Korea (-5.4 p.p.) and the United States (-13 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest optical fiber, bundle and cable supplying countries worldwide were China ($3.5B), the United States ($2.1B) and Mexico ($1.6B), together accounting for 51% of global exports. India, Japan, France, Germany, Poland, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea and Romania lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Romania, with a CAGR of +34.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

Optical fiber cables dominates exports structure, recording 841K tons, which was near 91% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by optical fibers and bundles (80K tons), making up an 8.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to optical fiber cables exports of stood at +9.9%. At the same time, optical fibers and bundles (+12.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, optical fibers and bundles emerged as the fastest-growing type exported in the world, with a CAGR of +12.5% from 2012-2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of optical fibers and bundles increased by +1.7 percentage points.

In value terms, optical fiber cables ($10.9B) remains the largest type of optical fibers, bundles and cables supplied worldwide, comprising 77% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by optical fibers and bundles ($3.2B), with a 23% share of global exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of optical fiber cables exports stood at +8.6%.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average export price for optical fibers, bundles and cables amounted to $15,142 per ton, rising by 4% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $18,728 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was optical fibers and bundles ($39,703 per ton), while the average price for exports of optical fiber cables amounted to $12,973 per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by optical fiber cables (-1.2%).

Export Prices By Country

The average export price for optical fibers, bundles and cables stood at $15,142 per ton in 2022, surging by 4% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a noticeable setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 13% against the previous year. The global export price peaked at $18,728 per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($86,583 per ton), while China ($8,062 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+12.5%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform