China's carbon fiber industry reached a milestone in June 2026, with CNBM commissioning three world's largest production lines in Lianyungang. This marks the first time that Chinese manufacturers have achieved full-spectrum coverage from high-strength, high-modulus to large-tow carbon fibers, signaling a critical shift from laboratory-scale to commercial-scale production.
Event Background
On June 28, CNBM held a commissioning ceremony for three production lines at its Lianyungang base. Construction began in June 2023, covering 1,500 mu with a total planned investment of 6 billion yuan and a design capacity of 31,000 tons across ten full-capability lines. The three operational lines form the world's largest product matrix spanning high-strength, high-modulus, and large-tow categories.
The first line is the world's largest 1,000-ton-per-year SYT70 (T1100 grade) high-strength carbon fiber line, targeting aerospace demands for lightweight and high-load capacity. The second is the world's largest 5,000-ton-per-year SYT45S-48K large-tow line, suitable for wind turbine blades and new energy vehicles due to its cost-effectiveness. The third is the world's largest 600-ton-per-year M40 grade and above high-modulus line, serving deep-sea exploration, sports equipment, and 3C electronics.
Notably, the initial lines achieved stable production within just one month of trial operation, indicating mature technology and engineering capabilities.
Industry Impact
This commissioning means China's carbon fiber industry has evolved from single-point breakthroughs to full-spectrum coverage. Previously, domestic production was concentrated in mid-to-low-end grades like T700, while high-strength grades above T800 and high-modulus fibers relied on imports or small-batch trials. The large-scale launch of T1100 and M40+ lines directly fills the high-end capacity gap.
For downstream industries, this reduces procurement risks and costs. The wind power sector, long constrained by imported large-tow carbon fiber, will see a significant improvement in supply chain autonomy for blade carbon beams. In new energy vehicles, the cost of carbon fiber body parts is expected to decline further.
Globally, China's rapid capacity expansion is reshaping market dynamics. Industry data shows global carbon fiber demand was approximately 120,000 tons in 2025, with China accounting for over 40% of capacity. Once the Lianyungang base's 31,000-ton capacity is fully utilized, China's supply leverage will strengthen further. However, the risk of price wars in mid-to-low-end segments remains, while high-end products require continuous technological iteration.