July 2026 Carbon Fiber Industry Monthly Report
Abstract
In July 2026, China’s carbon fiber industry entered a critical growth phase featuring capacity expansion, technological breakthroughs and historic foreign trade transformation. Mass production capacity of high-grade carbon fiber keeps rising, while demand from low-altitude economy, large-scale wind power and new energy lightweight sectors surges continuously, driving the whole industry into a high-quality rapid growth track.
1. Industrial Production Capacity: Mass Launch of High-Grade Production Lines, Complete Localized Supply Chain System
Multiple domestic high-performance carbon fiber production lines finished commissioning and stable mass production in July, greatly lifting domestic supply capacity of premium carbon fiber products.
The 1,000-ton T1100 production line of Hengshen was officially put into stable operation. Its products have obtained material certifications for aerospace and eVTOL applications, realizing large-scale import substitution of high-grade small-tow carbon fiber. Meanwhile, a large-scale T1000 production line was launched in East China, matched with self-developed precursor production lines to substantially cut procurement costs of premium carbon fiber. The pace of domestic substitution accelerates across military equipment, high-end machinery and premium sports goods sectors.
Two national standards covering precursor spinning and carbonization processes were officially implemented this month. The localization rate of core production equipment exceeds 95%, breaking long-term overseas monopoly on high-end manufacturing equipment. Breakthroughs in 3D carbon fiber weaving equipment further bring domestic composite preform manufacturing technology in line with top international standards.
2. Foreign Trade Landscape: Historic Turning Point — China Shifts from Carbon Fiber Importer to Net Exporter
Latest customs data for the first half of 2026 reveals a landmark shift for China’s carbon fiber sector.
Domestic carbon fiber import volume declined by 13%-17% year-on-year, while export volume jumped by 36%-86% year-on-year. Starting from Q2, China achieved monthly net exports of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber fabrics, prepregs and other deep-processed products stand out in global competition and have entered overseas supply chains for wind power and aerospace, marking China’s transition from import reliance to full participation in global carbon fiber market competition.
3. Downstream Market: Booming Demand Across Multiple Segments, Soaring Demand for High-Grade Materials
3.1 Wind Power Drives Strong Demand for Large-Tow Carbon Fiber
Larger size and lightweight design remain core trends for wind turbine blades. 48K and 50K large-tow carbon fiber have become mainstream materials. Continuous launch of innovative processes reduces blade weight and improves power generation efficiency. Domestic carbon fiber demand for wind power is expected to hit 52,000 tons in 2026, providing steady market support for large-tow carbon fiber capacity.
3.2 Low-Altitude Economy Releases Massive Demand for High-Strength Carbon Fiber
Policies supporting low-altitude economy are rolled out nationwide, accelerating industrialized mass production of manned eVTOL flying vehicles. Composite materials account for over 50% of aircraft structural weight, generating rigid demand for high-strength, high-modulus lightweight carbon fiber. Domestic T1100 and T1200 premium carbon fiber are gradually adopted in batches for structural parts of low-altitude aircraft, forming a core high-growth market for advanced new materials.
3.3 Expanding Application Scenarios: NEVs, Humanoid Robots & Medical Devices
Carbon fiber composite materials are widely applied in lightweight battery packs and chassis components of new energy vehicles, effectively cutting vehicle weight and extending driving range. Meanwhile, carbon fiber adoption keeps expanding in structural parts of humanoid robots, high-end medical equipment and rehabilitation devices, continuously broadening the industry’s application boundaries.
4. Circular Economy: Standardized Recycled Carbon Fiber & Mature Closed-Loop Industrial Chain
With the full implementation of international standard ISO 19374 for recycled carbon fiber, the domestic recycled carbon fiber sector has stepped into standardized and regulated development.
A 10,000-ton carbon fiber waste recycling base was put into operation this July. The recycled carbon fiber retains over 85% of original tensile strength, with manufacturing costs around 30% lower than virgin carbon fiber. It has been widely adopted in wind power accessories, photovoltaic brackets and rail transit interior parts, forming a commercially viable closed-loop green carbon fiber industrial chain.
5. Industry Summary & Market Outlook
July 2026 witnessed comprehensive upgrades for China’s carbon fiber industry, including technological leaps, capacity expansion, foreign trade reversal and diversified demand growth. Domestic high-grade carbon fiber now boasts capabilities of mass stable production, large-scale import substitution and global export competition, ushering in a golden era of high-quality development.
In the second half of the year, aerospace, commercial space launch, low-altitude economy and large-scale wind power will continuously fuel demand for premium carbon fiber. Enterprises with self-developed precursor technology, high-end mass production capacity and full-chain supporting advantages will maintain long-term competitive edges.