Analysis of the Impact of Glass Fiber Price Fluctuations on the Export Insulation sheet Industry
1, Fiberglass: the core cost skeleton of insulation board
Insulation sheets(such as GPO-3, SMC, epoxy laminates, etc.) are the basic materials in the field of electrical insulation, and glass fiber accounts for as much as 40% -60% of their cost composition, making them the second largest raw material after resin. Whether it is short cut fiberglass felt, continuous fiberglass cloth, or fiberglass yarn, they directly determine the mechanical strength, insulation performance, and heat resistance level of the insulation sheets.
Entering 2026, the domestic fiberglass market presents a clear differentiation pattern of "ice and fire": the price of electronic grade fiberglass cloth doubles in half a year, while alkali free rovings remain weakly stable and fluctuating. This structural market trend is having a profound impact on export insulation board enterprises.
2, Direct impact: Structural pressure on the cost side
1. The cost of high-end insulation boards has significantly increased
High end insulation boards, represented by electronic grade epoxy boards (G10/G11), mainly use electronic cloth as a reinforcing material. From October 2025 to present, the price of 7628 electronic fabric has increased from 4.3 yuan/meter to 8.6 yuan/meter, an increase of over 100%.
This directly leads to:
The production cost of high-end epoxy board has increased by about 25% -35%
The profit margin of ultra-thin and high-grade insulation boards is severely squeezed
Some small and medium-sized factories have suffered losses upon receiving orders due to insufficient stock of raw materials
2. The cost of mid to low end insulation boards is relatively controllable
SMC insulation boards, DMC molded parts, and general-purpose GPO-3 products using alkali free roving/short cut felt have little cost fluctuation due to the weak stability of roving prices. The current price range for alkali free winding yarn is between 16800-17500 yuan/ton, and the cost pressure on enterprises is relatively controllable.
3. The price difference between different categories is widening
In the past, the export price difference between high-end and mid to low end insulation boards was about 30% -40%, but now this gap has widened to over 60%. Enterprises with a single product structure and concentrated in the mid to low end may benefit in the short term, while those with high-end product lines face the challenge of cost shifting.
3, Supply chain impact: dual challenges of delivery time and stocking up
1. High end fiberglass supply is tight, and delivery time is extended
Electronic grade fiberglass is currently in short supply, and orders from top companies have been scheduled until the end of the third quarter. Some high-end insulation board factories have reported:
The procurement cycle for electronic fabric has been extended from 7-15 days to 30-45 days
Small batch and multi variety orders are difficult to guarantee supply
Some specifications are marked as' valuable but not in stock 'and require waiting in line for delivery
2. Differentiation of enterprise stocking strategies
Major factories: sign quarterly long orders while prices are relatively low, lock in supply and prices, and smooth out cost fluctuations
Small and medium-sized factories: Due to financial and production capacity limitations, they can only purchase on demand and passively bear price fluctuations
Export oriented enterprises: facing the dilemma of "shortened quotation validity period", compressed from the original 30 days to 7-15 days
