Structural Differentiation in the Global Fastener Market: High-end Manufacturing Capability Determines Competitiveness

Industry data indicates that in recent years, the overall growth rate of the global fastener market has tended to stabilize, while distinct structural changes have taken shape.

According to data released by the Fastener Branch of China General Machinery Components Industry Association, the application proportion of special-shaped fasteners and non-standard customized products in high-end equipment and new energy sectors has been on a steady rise, accounting for more than 30% in some niche scenarios.

Compared with traditional standard fasteners, complex special-shaped fasteners impose higher requirements on manufacturing capabilities in terms of dimensional tolerance, structural consistency and batch stability, which directly underscores the decisive role of equipment level in product competition. Fastener manufacturing equipment is evolving from a mere production tool to a key enabler of manufacturing upgrading.

High-strength and special fasteners delivered outstanding performance. Exports of "other screws and bolts (tensile strength ≥ 800 MPa)" registered a year-on-year increase of 11.0%, which can be attributed to the rising demand for high-performance fasteners in global sectors such as wind power, new energy vehicles, rail transit and high-end equipment manufacturing. Exports of "other copper screws, bolts and nuts" grew by 14.7%, with their average export unit price rising 14.1% year on year. This growth is largely driven by cost pass-through resulting from the upward trend in prices of raw materials like copper; meanwhile, overseas buyers’ forward stocking and centralized procurement based on price expectations have provided positive support for export growth.

Bulk standard fasteners exhibited the characteristics of volume growth coupled with price decline. Exports of "iron or steel nails, tacks, etc." saw a 4.6% year-on-year increase in volume, but a 5.6% decrease in average unit price. Traditional categories such as "self-tapping screws" and "nuts" generally posted "volume growth and slight price decline". Homogeneous competition in standardized products remains fierce, putting continuous pressure on profit margins.