The following is a comprehensive analysis of China’s welding rod and wire exports in 2024, based on the latest data released by the General Administration of Customs and industry organisations:
一. Overall Export Trends
1. **Total exports**: approximately **1.85 million tonnes**, up 6.2% year-on-year (1.74 million tonnes in 2023)
2. **Total Export Value**: **3.28 billion USD**, up 4.5% year-on-year. The slower growth rate compared to volume is primarily due to a slight decline in unit prices.
3. **Monthly Characteristics**:
– Q1 saw a 12% month-on-month decline due to the Spring Festival,
– Steady recovery in Q2-Q3 (driven by infrastructure demand in Southeast Asia),
– Reached annual peak in Q4 (overseas year-end stockpiling + advance shipping schedules).
二. Changes in Product Structure
| **Product Type** | **Share** | **Year-on-Year Growth Rate** | **Main Driving Factors** |
|———- ——|———-|————–|——————————–|
| Flux-cored welding wire | 38% | +15% | Widespread adoption of automated welding, demand for high-end manufacturing |
| Stainless steel welding materials | 25% | +9% | Expansion of petrochemical/new energy equipment |
| Carbon steel solid welding wire | 28% | +1.5% | Rigid demand for infrastructure |
| Special welding rods | 9% | +5% | Growth in nuclear power and ship repair sectors |
> **Highlights**: The export unit price of flux-cored welding wire increased by 8%, and the proportion of high-end products (such as nickel-based alloy welding wire) exceeded 15% for the first time.
三. Core Export Markets
1. **Southeast Asia** (accounting for 42% of total exports)
– Vietnam (+18%) and Indonesia (+15%) led the growth, with significant stimulus from RCEP tariff reductions.
– Infrastructure projects: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project and Vietnam battery factory construction.
2. **Middle East** (25% of total exports)
– Saudi Arabia’s Neom New City and Qatar’s LNG projects drive demand for high-temperature-resistant welding materials.
3. **CIS** (12% of total)
– The import diversion effect from Russia continues, but growth slowed to 5% in Q4 (as domestic production capacity recovered).
4. **Europe and the Americas** (total volume decreased)
– EU: Anti-dumping duties caused exports to decline by 11% (especially to Italy and Spain).
– United States: Increased instances of transshipment via Vietnam to avoid tariffs.
IV. Industry Trends and Challenges
– **Upgrade Directions**: Leading companies are accelerating the development of **green welding materials** (low-fume formulations) and **digital welding machines paired with welding wires**.
– **Trade Risks**:
– The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) pilot programme includes welding materials, increasing compliance costs.
– India and Brazil are considering anti-dumping investigations (three cases initiated in 2024).
– **Cost Pressures**: Wire rod prices fluctuated by over 20% throughout the year, squeezing profits for small and medium-sized enterprises.
五. Outlook for 2025
1. **Opportunities**:
– ASEAN renewable energy projects (increasing demand for photovoltaic mounting structure welding wire).
– Chinese shipyards have a full order book (accounting for 47% of global orders in 2024), driving exports of marine welding materials.
2. **Risk Warnings**:
– The global manufacturing PMI has remained below the boom-bust line for six consecutive months, necessitating vigilance against demand contraction.
– Deepening ‘de-Chinaisation’ supply chain policies in Europe and the United States.
> **Data Sources**: China Customs General Administration (HS Codes 83111000/83112000), China Welding Association (CWA) 2024 Annual Report, SMM Metal Industry Research Institute. It is recommended that companies monitor upgrades to certification standards in emerging markets (e.g., new SASO certification regulations in the Middle East) and accelerate R&D of high-value-added products to address trade barriers.