South Korea Investigates Chinese Optical Fiber Imports

The Korean government has initiated an anti-dumping investigation to assess whether low-cost Chinese telecommunication cables are being unfairly imported, potentially harming the domestic market. This move follows recent actions against Chinese steel imports, signaling a possible trend of protective measures against Chinese products.

Details of the Investigation

Announced by the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, the investigation focuses on Chinese single-mode optical fiber (SMF). The KTC plans to officially announce this decision in the government gazette on March 7, starting a comprehensive investigation that could lead to provisional anti-dumping tariffs by June.

Impact on the Domestic Industry

Local companies like LS Cable & System and Taihan Fiber Optics are reportedly suffering due to the influx of low-priced Chinese products. The investigation could provide relief to these companies, which have seen significant declines in production performance and net losses.

Global Market Perspective

The global single-mode optical fiber market, valued at approximately $4.47 billion in 2021, is expected to grow to $9.79 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by increasing data transmission demand and advancements in telecommunications infrastructure, highlighting the strategic importance of the sector.