China, the U.S. and Mexico: Global trade in optical fiber

According to a study by the Inter-American Development Bank, international trade in the sector—which includes both optical fibers and assembled cables—reached a value of nearly US$14 billion in 2022 and remains at around US$12 billion.

Although it accounts for just 0.05% of global trade, it has seen remarkable growth at an average annual rate of 6%.

China leads the world in optical fiber production and exports, accounting for nearly 50% of global exports. In optical fibers, the Asian country accounts for nearly 26% of global exports, while in cables it reaches 30.7%.

When considering both segments, China leads with 29.6% of total exports, followed by the United States with 12%, and Mexico with 11%. Other major players include India (5.7%), Japan (4.7%), and Germany (3.5%), which highlights a high concentration of technology in economies with a strong industrial base.

The optical fiber trade has a relatively open and diversified structure: Europe accounts for nearly 40% of global imports, while North America and Europe together represent almost 70%.

In this context, Mexico stands out not only as an exporter but also as a significant importer, reflecting its dual role within complex value chains.