China's Fastener Exports Hit US$9.65 Billion — FES Report

SHANGHAI, CHINA — Fastener Expo Shanghai (FES) has released its latest industry report, China Fastener Trade Analysis: January–September 2026, providing an in-depth overview of China's fastener trade performance, key export markets, and evolving product trends.

Based on trade statistics compiled and analyzed by FES, the report offers valuable insights for international fastener manufacturers, distributors, and industrial buyers navigating changes in global sourcing and supply chains.

China's Fastener Exports Show Steady Growth

During the first nine months of 2026, China's exports of fasteners and related products reached US$9.65 billion, up 7.72% year-on-year, while export volume increased by 3.82% to approximately 4.85 million metric tons. The average export unit value rose by 3.76%.

Steel fasteners under HS Code 7318 remained the industry's primary growth driver, generating US$8.18 billion in export value, an increase of 8.40%. This category accounted for approximately 84.8% of total export value and contributed 91.67% of the overall increase.

Notably, exports of high-strength screws and bolts rated at 800 MPa or above grew by 16.28%, significantly outpacing the overall market. Other fastening products, including rivets and pins, also recorded strong growth.

Commenting on these findings, Mr. Meng Jianchu, Project Director of Fastener Expo Shanghai, said: "China's fastener exports recorded growth in both volume and average unit value, with export value increasing faster than shipment volume. This signals a positive shift toward higher-performance products and more specialized industrial applications.

"While rising unit values do not necessarily indicate an industry-wide upgrade, the strong performance of high-strength fasteners highlights the growing importance of product quality, technical capabilities, and reliable supply chains in international competition."

Emerging Markets Reshape Global Fastener Trade

The report identifies significant regional differences in China's fastener exports under HS Code 7318:

Southeast Asia continued to generate substantial demand, particularly from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Expanding electronics, automotive, and industrial assembly operations may be supporting demand for fasteners and manufacturing components.

The United States remained China's largest single export destination for HS 7318 products, with export value rising 9.20% despite a 1.07% decline in shipment volume. This suggests that pricing and product mix, rather than volume expansion, played a greater role in export value growth. Central Asia recorded the fastest regional growth, potentially reflecting infrastructure development, industrial projects, and evolving distribution networks.

Meanwhile, European and Middle Eastern markets showed softer performance, highlighting the importance of understanding local demand conditions, trade compliance requirements, and supply chain risks.

On the import side, China's fastener import value increased by 2.01%, while import volume declined by 12.69% and average unit value rose by 16.83%. These trends suggest changes in purchasing and product mix, although further data is needed to determine their underlying causes.

Turning Market Insights into Business Opportunities at FES 2027

As an international platform connecting Chinese fastener suppliers with global buyers, Fastener Expo Shanghai aims to translate industry research into practical sourcing and business development opportunities.

Mr. Meng Jianchu added: "Trade data is valuable not only because it shows where growth is happening, but because it helps businesses identify where the next opportunities may emerge. "With manufacturing activity expanding across Southeast Asia and other emerging markets, demand is developing for both fastening products and production equipment. At the same time, buyers in established markets are placing greater emphasis on performance, compliance, delivery reliability, and supply chain efficiency.

"At FES 2027, we will strengthen our international buyer invitation programs, identify qualified buyers with genuine purchasing requirements, and facilitate targeted business matching. Through initiatives such as the Fastener Equipment Procurement Festival, we also aim to connect Chinese equipment and tooling manufacturers with overseas production facilities."Our goal is to make FES a preferred destination for global fastener sourcing, industry insights, and meaningful business partnerships."

About Fastener Expo Shanghai 2027

The 17th Fastener Expo Shanghai (FES 2027) will take place on March 3–5, 2027, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), China.

The event is expected to feature:

• 75,000+ sqm of exhibition space
• 1,500+ exhibitors
• 55,000+ professional visitors
• Fasteners, automotive fastening solutions, industrial assembly technologies, manufacturing equipment, tooling, and raw materials
• International buyer programs and targeted business matchmaking

Building on its industry research, global buyer network, and comprehensive fastener supply chain coverage, FES 2027 aims to provide international professionals with a practical platform to explore new suppliers, technologies, and business opportunities.

Website: www.fastenerexpo.cn

Report: China Fastener Trade Analysis: January–September 2026

Published by: Fastener Expo Shanghai (FES)

Data source: Import and export commodity statistics, compiled and analyzed by FES.