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SUPPLIERS TO EUROPE
FIXDEX 固耐安智慧製造：錨定全球工程的堅韌底氣
Goodfix Industrial (Fixdex) Smart Manufacturing: Resilience to Anchor Global
Engineering
The true value of industrial products is not measured at the moment it leaves the factory, but by whether it remains firmly in place after decades of operation, vibration, and environmental challenges. This is the mission pursued by Goodfix Industrial. Headquartered in Handan, Hebei, it is recognized as a National High-Tech and “Little Giant” enterprise specialized in niche, sophisticated and innovative industries. Guided by its founding principle of being “Firm, Durable and Safe,” it continues to bring Chinese manufacturing quality to global levels.
Industry-Integrated Manufacturing Builds Reliable Competitiveness
Covering 400,000 m2 with more than 500 employees, it operates an integrated production chain in-house, covering materials, manufacturing, surface treatment, and finished products to ensure high quality and fast delivery, encompassing more than 30 multi-station high-speed cold heading machines, 15 Taiwanese high-speed threading machines made by Chien Tsai Machinery, 35 automatic assembly machines, and more than 300 other threading machines. Combined with full-process MES control and smart workshops, these capabilities maintain product consistency and rapid delivery. Monthly production exceeds 20 million anchor bolts, while threaded rod monthly capacity reaches 10,000 tons. Other exported fastener products currently total around 2,000 tons per month, with growing volumes.
One Anchor, A Decades-Long Commitment to Engineering
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From tensile, compression, shear, impact, and hardness test to spectral analysis and anchoring tests in cracked and uncracked concrete, its laboratory capabilities provide databacked verification for product performance, receiving recognition under ETA, ICC, UL, CE and other certification systems.
It invests about 6% of its annual revenue in R&D. Its post-installed undercut anchors are the first in China to pass national-level S-grade test, delivering performance benchmarked against German products at prices 30% lower! Thanks to strong quality and cost competitiveness, the Fixdex brand has been designated for China Railway Group, PowerChina and well-known curtain wall and elevator companies. With independent export rights, its products are sold across Europe, the U.S., Japan, Southeast Asia, and other developed markets. From Huawei and BYD to Xi’an Metro Line 6, its anchoring technologies are applied in demanding projects while continuously pushing the boundaries of high-reliability connections. Full-process traceability ensures that every anchor is identified and its performance controlled, adding additional assurance to mega-constructions!
Goodfix Industrial's contact: Ms. Cece Ma Email: info@fixdex.com M / WA / WX: +86 13603018224
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From Product Supply to “Integrated System Solutions”
It has develop e d 5 major product systems covering anchoring, fastening, seismic support, MEP installation, and newenergy installation, serving photovoltaic projects, rail transit, petrochemical facilities, bridges and tunnels, and major construction projects. This year, the products have been deployed in Xiong’an New Area, expanding presence in many places. Whether serving project owners, contractors, or distributors, it provides full-process technical guidance, transforming its role from a product supplier into an integrated system solutions provider.
FIXDEX: Bringing “Reliability” to the World
Built on the spirit of “Make Fixing Dexterity,” its international brand Fixdex represents more eff icient and f lexible connection solutions for the globe. The brand is registered in more than 70 countries, with products exported to Europe, the U.S., Japan, Southeast Asia, etc. The company is continuing to establish overseas branches and stocking warehouses. It believes that a small fastener often carries the safety and trust of an engineering project for decades to come. It will continue to invest in technological innovation, sma r t manufactur ing, and global service capabilities, striving to make “Made in China” more than a symbol of manufacturing capacity—it will be a lasting promise of quality that global engineering customers can trust.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
COVER STORY
海迅「中國“智”造」， 提升「全球供應鏈韌性」
China Intelligent Manufacturing
Enhances “Global Supply Chain Resilience”
A
s global supply chains enter an era of heightened volatility, international buyers are no longer selecting fastener suppliers based solely on price. Increasingly, they want to know whether a supplier can deliver consistently and reliably. Hisener Industrial has clearly felt this shift in customer expectations and now regards supply chain resilience as a key new competitive advantage. From its early portfolio of 4,000 products centered on stainless steel and composite screws, to ERP/WMS-based digital operations, ESG management, carbon reduction, and talent development, the company is leveraging “China Intelligent Manufacturing” to help global customers reduce uncertainty amid rapidly changing markets.
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Automation + Intelligence for More Predictable Supply For overseas customers, the biggest concerns are often uncontrolled lead times, quality fluctuations, and unpr edic t able supply. Thr ough it s smar t factories, the company uses automated production to reduce fluctuations caused by human factors, while standardized smart management ensures consistent quality across batches. Transparent production data also enables more accurate lead-time forecasting, helping customers better plan projects and inventory. Comprehensive production traceabilit y fur ther supports overseas customers in meeting compliance audits and supply chain management requirements.
plans in advance. When market conditions change rapidly, predefined risk-response plans are activated to maintain supply flexibility.
Beyond Capacity, “Flexibility” Matters More
Leading China Fastener Industry into Intelligent Manufacturing
The company emphasizes: “Rather than simply expanding production capacit y, we believe ‘flexibility’ is more impor tant! In response to urgent orders, sudden order surges, or specification changes, we can allocate capacity among different workshops to distribute the workload, while using flexible production scheduling to accommodate rush orders. Key raw materials are secured in advance with safety buffers, while finished-goods safety stocks are maintained for standard products, enabling rapid shipment when necessary.” The company also works with key customers to continuously forecast demand, allowing it to adjust material input and production
Hisener originally began as a trading company. As its business developed, however, it realized that without full control over production, it was difficult to comprehensively m a n a g e qu a li t y, l e a d t im e s, a n d c u s t o m i z a t i o n requirements. The company therefore gradually built its own manufacturing facilities and developed large-scale smart factories that have helped lead domestic industry trends, transforming itself from a trading intermediary into one of China’s leading intelligent fastener manufacturing service providers. Today, the company is no longer simply focused on “making products.” It has developed control over the entire manufacturing process and creates value through stable quality and attentive service. Compared with the past, when scale and price were the primary competitive factors, innovation and supply chain resilience have become increasingly important.
ET A-22/0584
Hisener's contact: Simon Liang, General Manager Email: simon@hisener.com
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Each material box to the correct process node
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
COVER STORY
More Than a Supplier—A Partner Sharing Supply Chain Risks “Choosing a fastener supplier is not simply about choosing products and prices. It is about choosing a longterm partner that can share risks and grow together with you,” the company states. It provides one-stop services combining large-scale supply of standard fasteners with customized R&D. Through carbon inventory, CE/ETA certifications, product corrosion-resistance performance, and a controlled subcontracting system, it continues to strengthen supply chain resilience. Although a fastener is a small component, it can directly affect the safety of an end product or project. The company therefore regards reliable delivery and traceability as fundamental requirements. When faced with raw material fluctuations or potential changes in lead times, the company also emphasizes early warning, two-way transparency, and proactive coordination with customers. From “making better screws” to “giving customers confidence to place orders,” Hisener is redefining the value of China Intelligent Manufacturing—not simply by supplying products, but by working with global customers to withstand supply chain risks and achieve long-term growth together!
Showroom
Professional Manufacturer of
Extreme Weather Resistance
Long-term structural reliability
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly
No.1, Gushan Road, Changqiangshan Industrial Park, Ganpu, Haiyan, Zhejiang, China Tel: +86 573 87379889 Fax: +86 573 87379884 E-mail: info@hisener.com www.fastener-world.com/en/supplier/hisener 惠達雜誌
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Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel Screws
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COMPANY FOCUS
Strengthens Capacity with Facility Expansion and Smart Manufacturing
ETA & CE Certified and Lower AD Rate As one of the wholly owned screw factories of CHINFAST, Haiyan Yousun Enterprises Co., Ltd. is a specialized producer of wood timber screws, chipboard screws, and drywall screws with an estimated manufacturing capacity of 1,000 tons every month.
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Complying with the internationally-recognized regulations, Yousun has not only had its wood timber screw certified by ETA, but also has had its drywall screws and chipboard screws certified by CE. Yousun and its sister factory Joystart Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. specialized in the production and DIY package services for advanced multi-purpose screws, stainless steel screws, etc. each play a vital role in their respective areas of expertise. Yousun also enjoys a better tariff rate in exporting to the EU market and is subject to a more favorable anti-dumping duty of only 39.6% under the tariff code of C788.
Expanded Capacity to Meet Diverse Market Demands When it comes to deepening the business reach and consolidating a firm presence in the European market, which accounts for 50% of CHINFAST’s total exports with the annual shipments of +100,000 tons, the pivotal role of Yousun in providing CHINFAST with great manufacturing support to expanding its supplies to Europe since its inception definitely cannot be ignored. Moreover, in order to help CHINFAST further develop
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COMPANY FOCUS emerging market in Japan and Australia, Yousun’s 2nd phase of facility, which is built on the concept of “Smart Factory 3.0” is also about to become operational soon.
YOUSUN, the Indispensable Support that Keeps CHINFAST Ahead Without the strong support of Yousun, CHINFAST’s transition from manufacturing to service innovation would not have been so smoot h a nd successf ul. CHINFAST stays ahead of market trends by upgrading both hardware and software capabilities—including automated warehousing, a dedicated accessories design team, advanced packaging production lines, and an integrated ERP system—to comprehensively enhance the efficiency and flexibility of DIY packaging services. It enables YOUSUN to deliver highly efficient and competitive packaging solutions to clients. Leveraging the cost advantages of industrial-scale production and extensive experience, CHINFAST demonstrates exceptional innovation in customized packaging and product structure optimization.
steadfast in the commitment to a customer-centric, innovation-driven service philosophy, advancing steadily within the fastener industry and solidify the strong international reputation through exceptional product quality, innovative service models, and a global market presence.
Contact: Mr. George Yu Email: george@chinfast.com Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief Copyright owned by Fastener World 著作权所有：惠达杂志 惠達雜誌
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According to Yousun, “Providing customers with competitive price, good quality, punctual delivery and perfect service has always been our everlasting pursuit and solemn promise.” As an industry-leading fastener manufacturing company in China, Yousun will remain
CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS
China Fastener World News 惠達特搜全球新聞
compiled by Fastener World
Associations President Mr. Ji Shaofeng:"Wenzhou's fastener industry is accelerating toward smart production" 會長季韶峰 :「溫州緊固件產業正加速智慧化」 Ji Shaofeng , president of the Wenzhou Fastener Industry Association, said Wenzhou's fastener industr y is accelerating its transition from traditional manufacturing toward smar ter and higher-end production. The association
currently has 320 member companies, whose combined output value has exceeded RMB 31 billion, with exports reaching approximately RMB 2.5 billion. Overall technological capabilities across the industry continue to improve. To address gaps in high-end material R&D, precision testing, commercialization of academic research and professional talent, the
association has jointly established the Wenzhou Fastener Research Institute with Wenzhou University and Wenzhou University of Technology. The institute has launched several research
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projects and is building a technology innovation platform based on the model of “companies raising challenges, universities providing solutions, and industry benefiting from the results.” It also plans to establish PhD workstations and educational training bases to strengthen technological development and talent cultivation.
Wenzhou fastener manufacturers have increasingly adopted smart manufacturing, the Internet of Things and industrial Big Data in recent years, accelerating the industry's shift from fragmented, low-value production toward highend manufacturing. The research institute will continue to deepen
cooperation among local government, universities and enterprises, facilitating the transfer of university laboratory technologies into manufacturing operations while promoting green manufacturing and new quality productive forces. Notably, during the Wenzhou Fastener Exhibition this October, research institute experts will facilitate exchanges with German fastener industry associations. The initiative is expected to broaden international cooperation and inject new momentum into the transformation and upgrade of Wenzhou's fastener industry.
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IFI Kevin Vollmert Prioritizes Talent and Industry Advocacy IFI 主席 Kevin Vollmert 聚焦人才培 育與產業政策倡議 Kevin Vollmert has begun his term as Chairman of the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI), bringing nearly 20 years of experience at ITW Shakeproof, where he led commercial, applications engineering and innovation teams. Over the
next 12 months, Vollmert will focus on strengthening memb er value , w ork forc e development and regulatory advocacy while advancing the IFI’s strategic roadmap through 2027. Key priorities include expanding membership, increasing engagement and enhancing technical training through the institute’s committees and educational programs.
Addressing the industry’s persistent labor shortage is another major focus. The IFI’s registered apprenticeship program, developed with Marshall University, currently has five member companies onboarding apprentices, with another 18 in the pipeline. The program aims to build a stronger workforce of skilled cold heading and threading operators. Vollmert also highlighted the importance of coordinated trade advocacy amid tariff pressures, including Section 232 measures affecting steel, aluminum and copper. With IFI membership now reaching 200 companies, Vollmert is encouraging more manufacturers to experience the organization’s resources and industry network firsthand. He said stronger connections among members, committees and staff will help build a more resilient and influential fastener industry.
CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS
Tariff Frontline Canadian Counter-Tariffs Raise Construction Cost Concerns, ICBA Says ICBA 示警加拿大反制關稅引發建築成本上升疑慮 Canada’s new counter-tariffs on U.S.-origin goods could increase construction costs, with hundreds of products commonly used on jobsites included in the federal government’s retaliatory measures, according to the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA). The association said the tariff list covers around 400 product lines and has taken effect since Sept. 8. Construction-related products potentially affected include steel and aluminum materials, structural sections, pipes, wire products, fasteners, lumber, plywood, electrical equipment, HVAC products, tools and heavy machinery. ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson warned that
the measures could add to existing cost pressures for Canadian companies and consumers while placing further strain on integrated North American supply chains.
Of particular relevance to the fastener industry, the affected products include nails, screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, washers, anchors and aluminum fasteners, along with steel wires, chains and wire ropes. The tariffs apply only to products classified as U.S.-origin. ICBA is urging contractors to verify product origins with suppliers, review procurement pipelines and identify shipments that could be in transit when the tariffs take effect. Contractors are also advised to reassess pricing and review tariff, change-in-law and price-escalation provisions in fixed-price contracts. ICBA cautioned that the retaliatory measures could ultimately increase the cost of construction across Canada.
Industry Development Australia Maintains Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Clip Heads; Fenghui's Rate Cut to 21.9%
Thailand Finalizes Anti-Circumvention Ruling on Chinese High-Carbon Steel Wire Rods
澳洲維持中國夾緊螺栓夾頭反傾銷稅 寧波鋒暉降至 21.9%
泰國對中國高碳線材作出反規避終裁 擴大反傾銷措施適用範圍
Australia's Anti-Dumping Commission issued Notice No. 2026/057 on August 17, announcing that the Minister
for Industry and Science had accepted the AntiDumping Review Panel's final recommendations following an administrative review of interchangeable bolted clipping system clip heads imported from China. The revised anti-dumping margin and duty rate for Ningbo Fenghui Metal Products Co., Ltd. were reduced slightly from 22.2% to 21.9%, while the rate for other Chinese exporters remained unchanged at 26.3%. The products concerned fall under Australian customs
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tariff code 7326.90.90.60.
The case originated from an application filed by Australian company Abey Australia Pty Ltd. in 2024, which led to antidumping and countervailing investigations. In March 2025, Australia imposed provisional anti-dumping duties, with Fenghui subject to 31.5% and other exporters to 76.8%. The countervailing investigation was terminated in August 2025. In October 2025, Australia finalized anti-dumping duties of 22.2% on Fenghui and 26.3% on other Chinese exporters. Following an application by AC Plumbing Supplies Pty Ltd., an administrative review was initiated in December 2025, resulting in the latest adjustment to Fenghui's duty rate.
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T ha ila nd's A nt i-Dumping a nd Cou nt er va i l i ng D iv ision issue d a f i na l affirmative ruling on July 21, 2026, in its anticircumvention investigation into high-carbon steel wire rods from China, finding that certain Chinese products had altered their composition through alloying to circumvent existing antidumping measures. Under the ruling, the
scope of the measures has been expanded to cover alloy high-carbon steel wire rods containing carbon of 0.66% or more but less than 0.76%. The applicable anti-dumping duty rates
are 15.04% for relevant companies, 20.56% for Jiangsu Shagang Group, and 36.79% for other Chinese exporters. The expanded measures apply retroactively from July 31, 2025, with the same duration as the existing anti-dumping measures.
Thailand originally launched its anti-dumping investigation into Chinese high-carbon steel wire rods on November 29, 2012, and imposed final duties ranging from 5.17% to 33.98% in May 2014. Following the first sunset review, the duties were renewed in 2020 at rates of 12.26% to 36.79%. In May 2025, Thailand initiated a second sunset review and, in July of the same year, launched an anti-circumvention investigation focusing on high-carbon wire rod with a carbon content of 0.66% to 0.76%. In May 2026, Thailand decided to extend the anti-dumping measures for another five years while maintaining company-specific duty rates. The final ruling on the anti-circumvention investigation further closed loopholes allowing circumvention through minor compositional adjustments and expanded the scope of the existing tariffs.
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CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS Mexico Launches Second Sunset Review of Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Wire Rods 墨西哥對中國盤條啟動第二次日落複審 Mexico's Ministr y of Economy announced on July 23, 2026 that it had initiated a second sunset review of antidumping duties on wire rod originating in China, following applications from Mexican producers Deacero, SAPI de CV and Ternium México, SA de CV. The
dumping investigation covers July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, while the injury investigation covers July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026. The products concerned fall under TIGIE tariff codes 7213.10.01, 7213.20.91, 7213.91.03, 7213.99.99, 7227.10.01, 7227.20.01 and 7227.90.99. The existing anti-dumping duties will remain in effect during the review. Interested parties have 28 working days from the
day following publication of the notice to register as respondents and submit their responses and supporting evidence.
The case was originally launched in September 2015, with Mexico imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty of US$0.49 per kg on Chinese wire rod in July 2016. A first sunset review was initiated in 2021 and concluded in January 2023 with the duty maintained at the same rate for another five years, effective July 29, 2021. The latest review will determine whether the existing measures should remain in place.
Ansteel’s Rare-Earth Microalloying Technology Breaks 14.9-Grade Fastener Materials Bottleneck 鞍鋼稀土微合金化技術突破 14.9 級緊固件材料 瓶頸 Ansteel Co., Ltd. has filed a patent for a new manufacturing technology targeting 14.9-grade ultra-high-strength fasteners.
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The patent, titled “Rare-Earth Micro-alloyed Cold Heading Steel Wire Rod for 14.9-Grade UltraHigh-Strength Fasteners and Its Preparation Method” (CN122648828A), was filed on July 3 and published on August 28.
14.9-grade fasteners impose stringent requirements on strength, ductility and resistance to delayed fracture. Balancing ultra-high strength with cold heading performance has long been a technical challenge for high-strength fastener steels. Ansteel’s proposed solution centers on rareearth microalloying, using optimized alloy composition and precise process control to improve overall material performance and production stability. According to test data disclosed in the patent, fasteners produced using the process and subjected to heat treatment achieved a tensile strength of at least 1,400 MPa and a yield strength of at least 1,260 MPa. Elongation after fracture reached ≥9%, reduction of area ≥48%, while core hardness remained within HRC 44–49, meeting the requirements for 14.9-grade fasteners. With growing demand for high-performance fasteners in newenergy vehicles, aerospace and advanced equipment manufacturing, the technology could help advance the domestic production of ultra-highstrength cold heading steel and provide more material options for highend manufacturing.
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Aerospace Fastener Dispute Puts Trademark Protection Under the Spotlight 航空緊固件商標爭議浮上檯面：產品設計 究竟是品牌標誌還是功能？ A trademark dispute between two U.S. fastener companies is raising an important question for the industry: when does a distinctive fastener design become a trademark , and when is it simply a functional feature? The case involves Long-Lok, LLC, an
aerospace fastener engineering company, and Safety Socket, LLC, a former supplier of high-strength fasteners. For more than 50 years, Long-Lok has engineered self-locking fasteners for aerospace applications, often modifying standard fasteners supplied or sourced for its customers. The dispute centers on Safety Socket’s “Banded Knurl Mark,” a distinctive double-band knurl design on socket-head fasteners. Safety Socket claimed trademark rights in the design and, in 2025, sent Long-Lok a cease-and-desist letter alleging that Long-Lok’s modification, distribution and sale of its fasteners infringed those rights. Long-Lok responded by asking the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to cancel the trademark. It argued that the knurling was functional because the two bands provided a better grip when fastening components and therefore should not be protected exclusively as a trademark. Long-Lok also claimed that Safety Socket had abandoned the mark after moving away from manufacturing in 2023. In an August 21, 2026 ruling, the court allowed the functionality claim to proceed, finding that factual disputes remained over whether the design provided a meaningful utilita r ia n benef it. However, t he cou r t dism issed t he abandonment claim without prejudice because Long-Lok’s own complaint indicated that fasteners bearing the mark remained in commerce. Long-Lok was given 14 days to amend its complaint, leaving the trademark dispute unresolved.
Companies Development Putuo AI Smart Factory Accelerates Construction to Target Zero-Carbon High-End Fasteners 中國普陀 AI 超級智慧工廠加速建設 瞄準高端緊固件零碳製造 Putuo Development Zone in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, is accelerating construction of Zhoushan Zhengyuan Standard Parts’ high-end fastener AI smart factory. As a key project under Putuo District's “7 Major Campaigns,” the facility is scheduled for completion and commercial operation in 2028, becoming a major base for Zhengyuan's smart manufacturing, zero-carbon and internationalization strategies.
CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS The project involves a total investment of RMB 500 million, covering 43,300 square meters of land and approximately 100,000 square meters of total floor area. Around 70,000 square meters will be dedicated to the Zhengyuan New Energy high-end fastener AI smart factory, while another 30,000 square meters will house the Zhoushan Zhengyin AI Technology R&D Innovation Center. Construction began on October 5, 2025. The factory is being developed to “Excellence” standards, with China's Level 5 smart manufacturing capability maturity as its benchmark. It will integrate a “5G + Industrial Internet + AI” technology architecture to enhance intelligent production, supplychain collaboration and green manufacturing. Once operational, the project is expected to generate annual sales of RMB 1.5–2 billion. Its fasteners will serve sectors including new energy, wind power, oil and gas, nuclear power, construction machinery, hydrogen energy, aerospace, high-speed rail and shipbuilding. Zhengyuan said the project will focus on standardization, lean manufacturing and data-driven operations to strengthen its competitiveness in high-end smart fastener manufacturing.
PSDrail Launches Dual-Standard Railway Fasteners for Global Rail Projects FAWER Establishes Jilin Base to Target High-End Fasteners for Mercedes-Benz 富奧股份落址吉林 布局高階緊固件 搶攻賓士國產化商機 FAWER Automotive Parts is strengthening its localization strategy for automotive fasteners by establishing a new wholly owned subsidiary in Jilin City, China. Its wholly owned
overseas subsidiary, ABC Umformtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, plans to set up the new company with registered capital of RMB 1 million to support Mercedes-Benz’s localization program for nonstandard fasteners in China.
The move is expected to shorten R&D and supply-chain response times, while improving order fulfillment and delivery capabilities for high-end automotive fastener projects. By
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operating closer to customers, FAWER aims to better meet the high standards and rapid development cycles of luxury automakers. FAWER will also use the Mercedes-Benz localization project as an opportunity to benchmark its manufacturing and quality systems against German premium automotive standards. The company plans to further upgrade key processes and quality management, moving its fastener operations from general mass-production standards toward higher-end automotive requirements. Meanwhile, FAWER intends to leverage its cooperation with Mercedes-Benz to expand into other luxury and new-energy vehicle markets, optimize its customer portfolio and strengthen its position in high-end automotive fasteners. The Jilin investment marks another step in the company’s transition toward higher-end, localized and scalable fastener operations.
中國 PSDrail 推雙標準鐵路緊固件 瞄準全球軌道建設市場 China-based railway fastener manufacturer PSDrail, headquartered in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, launched its dual-standard railway fastener product portfolio on August 18, 2026, targeting global demand for products compliant with both AAR (Association of American Railroads) and AREMA (American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association) requirements. The product range covers 8 major categories, including baseplates, elastic fasteners, rail bolts, screw spikes and matching washers. The products are designed for applications ranging from heavy-haul freight and high-speed passenger railways to urban rail transit systems. PSDrail positions its single-source supply model as a solution for international railway project owners seeking to reduce compatibility verification and simplify cross-regional procurement. The launch also reflects a growing focus among Chinese railway fastener manufacturers on multi-standard adaptability as they expand into overseas markets. PSDrail is targeting infrastructure projects that require compliance with both European metric standards and North American imperial requirements. By offering a dual-standard product portfolio, the company aims to strengthen its ability to participate in international railway infrastructure supply chains.
Qifeng Hardware’s H1 Revenue Up 5.1%, While Adjusted Net Profit Drops 65.7% 七豐精工 2026 上半年營收增 5.1% Qifeng Hardware reported its 2026 interim results on August 26. Revenue for the first half reached RMB 98.44 million, up 5.1% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 0.1% to RMB 24.05 million. However, net profit attributable to shareholders excluding non-recurring items fell 65.7% to RMB 2.47 million. Net cash flow from operating activities decreased 13.5% to RMB 17.29 million, with diluted EPS at RMB 0.2976. In Q2, revenue increased 17.8% year on year to RMB 60.78 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 5.1% to RMB 22.94 million. Adjusted net profit, however, declined 64.1% to RMB 1.85 million. Amid a weak macroeconomic recovery and challenging market conditions, Qifeng Hardware continued to optimize its management structure, expand market channels and upgrade production capacity.
The company adopted a make-to-order production model and outsourced surface treatment to improve efficiency and control costs. It also increased R&D investment, focusing on high-end precision fasteners and specialized corrosionresistant fasteners.
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CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS Jiangsu Zhenjiang New Energy Equipment H1 Revenue Up 56.1% on Strong Wind Power Demand
Gem-year Industrial’s H1 Net Profit Surges 76.82% as It Targets High-End Fastener Markets
振江股份上半年營收增 56.1% 動業績大幅成長
晉億實業上半年淨利增 76.82% 局高階緊固件市場
風電景氣帶
The company released its 2026 interim report, posting revenue of RMB 2.863 billion in the first half, up 56.10% year on year. Net profit attributable to shareholders surged 854.75% to RMB 150 million, while adjusted net profit rose 24.86% to RMB 97.01 million. Net cash flow from operating activities also turned positive, reflecting improved collections and cash flow. The company said strong demand in the wind power sector was the main driver of revenue growth. During the first half, accelerated construction of offshore wind farms and large-megawatt onshore turbines boosted orders for wind turbine towers, flanges and other components. Its photovoltaic component business remained stable, while overseas expansion continued, with the company establishing stable partnerships with several major international wind turbine manufacturers. The company currently has a strong order backlog and high capacity utilization. It is also expanding its wind power
component portfolio and enhancing one-stop supply capabilities. Going forward, the pace of domestic wind power
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project development and deliveries to major overseas customers will be key factors shaping its full-year performance.
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加速布
The company released its 2026 interim report, posting revenue of RMB 1.236 billion in the first half, up 4.45% year on year. Net profit att r ibutable to sha reholders rose 76.82% to RMB 207 million, while net cash flow from operating activities reached RMB 297 million. The company attributed the
profit growth mainly to higher sales of key products and lower unit costs.
The company's product portfolio covers fasteners made to Chinese, U.S., German and Japanese standards, with more than 25,000 specifications. The company also has comprehensive manufacturing capabilities for high-speed rail fastening systems. During the reporting period, it continued to increase the share of mid- to high-end fasteners while expanding into new-energy vehicles, energy and high-speed rail markets. The company also stepped up efforts to develop the high-speed rail fastener maintenance market. In addition, it transferred 100% of its stake in Quanzhou Gem-Year Logistics for RMB 55 million, aiming to optimize its asset structure and improve operating efficiency.
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CHINA FASTENER WORLD NEWS Sundram Fasteners Plans to Invest Rs 400 Crore Sundram Fasteners 計畫投資 40 億盧比擴充產能 Manufacturer and supplier of engineering products, Sundram Fasteners Ltd (SFL) has plans to invest Rs 400 crore this fiscal to expand manufacturing capacity across automotive and industrial segments. The
investment will fuel the expansion required to meet demand across the internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and electric vehicle (EV) segments. Rs 250 crore will be deployed in the fasteners division to expand capabilities for the wind energy, space, and aerospace sectors. Rs 100 crore will be invested in the cast and machined assemblies business to enhance the production of high-value precision-engineered assemblies. This investment comes as the firm is looking to diversify its business.
Acquisitions Endries Expands Engineered Fastener Business with Blue Chip Acquisition Endries 收購 Blue Chip，擴大客製化工程緊固件布局 Endries International has acquired the business and assets of Blue Chip Engineered Products, a Kentucky-based supplier of custom-engineered fasteners, components and value-added services. The deal, announced July 1, comes with undisclosed financial terms. Based in Erlanger, Kentucky, Blue Chip has served manufacturers since 1984, supplying custom industrial fasteners, metal stampings and electronic hardware for industries including automotive, medical devices and lighting. Blue Chip will continue operating from its Erlanger facility, with founder Ken Sanker remaining as General Manager. Endries said the acquisition will strengthen its capabilities in industrial and
high-specification markets by combining Blue Chip’s customized engineering expertise and customer-focused services with Endries’ global distribution and supply chain network. Blue Chip offers vendor-managed inventory, kitting, packaging,
design support and sourcing services. Its product portfolio includes assemblies, nuts, molded parts, stampings, weld products and wire forms.
The acquisition marks Endries’ first since November 2024, when it acquired Floridabased Assembly Fasteners.
PrimeSource Brands Expands Outdoor Fastener Portfolio with Starborn Acquisition
China Fastener World no.78/2026
PrimeSource Brands 收購 Starborn，擴大戶外建築緊固件 產品布局 PrimeSource Brands, a North American supplier of branded specialty building products backed by Clearlake Capital Group, has acquired Starborn Industries, a leading provider of branded fastening solutions and installation systems for decking and exterior applications. Financial terms were not disclosed. Based in Edison, New Jersey, Starborn develops fasteners and installation tools primarily for residential decking and outdoor construction. Its product portfolio includes PRO PLUG®, CAP-TOR® xd, HEADCOTE®, SMART-BIT® and DECKFAST®. PrimeSource CEO Tom Koos said Starborn’s focus on innovation, quality and service complements the company’s existing fastener and outdoor living businesses. The acquisition also expands PrimeSource’s offering alongside brands such as Grip-Rite, Cobra and Wolf. For Clearlake Capital, the transaction represents another step in its strategy to strengthen PrimeSource as a scaled specialty building products platform, particularly in the outdoor living segment. The Starborn deal marks PrimeSource Brands’ 11th acquisition since partnering with Clearlake in December 2020.
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Edgewater Invests in Parker Manufacturing to Expand Engineered Fastener Platform Edgewater 投資 Parker Manufacturing，擴大高階工 程緊固件布局 The Edgewater Funds has invested in Parker Manufacturing Group, a precision fastener manufacturer ser ving the aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries. The deal represents the second
investment in Edgewater’s engineered-fastener platform, launched in April 2026 with its investment in AFT Industries.
Based in A r izona, Pa rker produces highly engineered screws, bolts and studs for demanding applications, machining components to tolerances measured in tenthousandths of an inch. Its products are manufactured f rom advanced mater ials including A286 stainless steel, Inconel and titanium, with around 60% built to customerspecific specifications. Parker serves major customers across aerospace, defense, missile, naval systems and semiconductor equipment, i n clu d i n g Bo e i n g, A i r b u s, L o c k h e e d Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Collins Aerospace. The company operates three divisions and more than 250 pieces of manufacturing equipment. Edgewater plans to support further expansion through orga n ic g row t h a nd a cqu isit ions. The
investment combines Parker’s precision manufacturing capabilities with AFT’s distribution and value-added processing services, creating a broader platform for engineered fastening solutions. Edgewater said the strategy
reflects growing demand for reliable, highly specialized fasteners across aerospace, defense and semiconductor applications.
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SPECIAL FEATURE compile db
y Fasten er World
Fastener INNOVATION ALLEY
Marine-Grade 316 Stainless Steel Structural Fastener 海事級 316 不鏽鋼結構螺絲
FastenMaster, a division of OMG Building Products, has expanded its structural fastening portfolio with the launch of MarineLOK, a heavy-duty structural screw made from 316 stainless steel and engineered for applications located within 1,000 feet of saltwater. Designed as a replacement for traditional ½-inch lag screws, MarineLOK is particularly suited to coastal wood-to-wood connections, including decks, docks and other outdoor structures exposed to harsh, corrosive environments.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
The fastener combines three key design features: a sharp Type17 point for easier starting, serrated cutting teeth for efficient penetration, and inner threads designed to clear wood debris during installation. It also incorporates FastenMaster’s SureStart ThreadPoint technology to enhance installation performance. Charles Emma, senior product manager for FastenMaster’s str uctural business unit, said MarineLOK strengthens the company’s LOK product line by providing professionals with a true marine-grade 316 stainless steel structural fastener. He noted that the product is designed to deliver reliable strength and corrosion resistance in applications exposed to saltwater, chemicals and other demanding conditions. MarineLOK is offered in 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 8- and 10-inch lengths. Each box contains 30 fasteners and a T50 driver bit, providing a ready-to-use solution for coastal construction and other corrosionprone applications.
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Elite Self-Drilling Screws for Faster Metal-to-Metal Installation
Elite 自鑽螺絲，加速金屬對金屬安裝作業 Teks®, a leading brand in metal fastening solutions, has launched Teks Elite Metal-to-Metal Screws, a premium line of self-drilling fasteners developed for electrical, HVAC, metal framing and general construction professionals. The new screws are designed to improve installation speed, driving control and connection quality without the need for pre-drilling.
The fasteners feature Teks’ proprietary Lightning Point™ tip, which starts up to 20% faster in metal and helps prevent the screw from walking across metal surfaces. A T-20 star drive with StikFit™ technology enhances bit-to-screw engagement, reducing wobble and dropped screws during installation. Meanwhile, the low-profile washer head provides a semi-flush finish while increasing clamping force for secure metal-to-metal connections. Kim Cortes, Sr. Product Manager for Teks, said the Elite line was developed to address common challenges encountered during metal-to-metal installation, helping crews achieve greater speed and consistency. Applications include electrical accessories, ductwork, strut and metal framing. Teks Elite complements rather than replaces the company’s Original Metal-to-Metal Screws, giving contractors a choice between everyday performance and premium speed and control. The new fasteners are available in multiple sizes and pack configurations through major retailers and building material suppliers across the U.S.
SPECIAL FEATURE
DTI Swing Bolt Set with Visual Tightening Indicator DTI 擺動螺栓套件，締結狀態「變色」即可快速判斷
Japan-based Ikeda Metal Industrial has introduced the DTI Swing Bolt Set, a fastening solution designed for securing covers on mixing tanks used in chemical, pharmaceutical and other industrial plants. The product addresses common fastening problems such as missed tightening, insufficient tightening and angled installation, helping reduce the risk of leakage. A patent application has been filed for the product. A key feature is its ability to make the otherwise difficult-to-check tightening condition visually identifiable. The bolt appears red when it is loose
and changes to black once the appropriate tightening level is reached. This allows operators to quickly verify fastening status without relying heavily on experience or additional inspection tools, helping reduce human error. The set also incorporates a special spacer that corrects the bolt angle, enabling the bolt to press vertically against the tank cover and distribute the load more evenly. Its hinged structure helps prevent the bolt from falling off, reducing the risk of lost components and unnecessary reassembly work. The company said the set can be installed on existing equipment with only minimal modifications and component replacement. The solution combines error-proofing, labor-saving and safety features, reflecting a broader trend in fastening technology toward visualized and managed fastening conditions rather than simple mechanical fixation.
Blind Rivets for Highly-Corrosion-Resistant Coated Steel 高耐蝕鍍層鋼板專用盲鉚釘，打造無焊接組裝方案
The product targets applications such as sheet-metal container manufacturing, enclosure assembly and outdoor structures. The products provide a mechanical joining solution that eliminates the need for welding.
The new blind rivets address welding and galvanic corrosion challenges that can arise when working with highly corrosion-resistant coated steel. The rivet bodies feature an additional highly-corrosion-resistant surface treatment designed to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion in steel sheets. As the joining process generates no heat, it can also prevent deformation and welding fumes while eliminating subsequent touch-up and repair work. The rivets can be installed from one side, enabling efficient assembly without requiring specialized welding skills and helping achieve consistent fastening quality regardless of operator experience. The company can recommend suitable rivet types according to the thickness of the steel sheets. With extensive application experience in outdoor structures, the company expects the new series to further expand the use of highly-corrosion-resistant coated steel in various construction and industrial applications.
CFRP Enters Functional Fastener Market with CF-LOCK Washers CFRP 跨入功能型緊固件市場：CF-LOCK 防鬆華司
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Japan-based Kyowa MFG Inc. has introduced CF-LOCK, a CFRP fastening solution designed to improve joint reliability in manufacturing equipment, motorsports and other high-vibration or high-temperature applications. Its first product is a CFRP anti-loosening washer. CF-LOCK leverages the material properties of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to enhance bolt-joint stability. The G model uses specially
designed grooves to increase friction and resistance to loosening. The H model features a tapered hole that increases the exposed carbon-fiber area to improve heat conduction and dissipation. The GH model combines both anti-loosening and heat-dissipation functions for environments exposed to both vibration and elevated temperatures. The company said multiple patents have been filed for technologies related to CFLOCK, which was developed based on experience in demanding environments such as racing and karting. The company plans to expand the CFRP technology into spacers, equipment base plates and precision jigs, broadening the applications of functional composite fastening components.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Diamond Deck & Wood Screws for High-Performance Outdoor Applications Diamond Deck & Wood Screws
提升戶外施工鎖固性能
Woodgrain, Inc. has introduced its new Diamond Deck & Wood Screws, a premium fastening solution designed for decking, outdoor construction, and treated lumber applications. The new screws feature patented TTX drive technology, a Typhoon head with nibs, and a DXAS coarse thread design to reduce cam-out, wobble, and installation torque while improving driving efficiency. According to Woodgrain, performance
testing showed the screws achieved leading results in driving speed, torque, and pull-out resistance.
Diamond Screws also feature a 2,000-hour Nano corrosion-resistant coating and are approved for exterior use and ACQ-treated lumber applications. The product is backed by a limited lifetime fastener warranty, providing long-term durability for demanding outdoor environments. Woodgrain said the new product line addresses common installation challenges faced by contractors while offering distributors a premium fastening solution with strong market potential. The company believes Diamond Screws will help dealers enhance product value, improve customer satisfaction, and support sales growth in the high-performance fastener market.
Neluma Floating Solar Platform for Global Expansion 搭配卡扣式緊固元件的 Neluma 漂浮式太陽能平台
加速全球市場布局
China Fastener World no.78/2026
ARaymond has officially launched Neluma, its floating photovoltaic (FPV) platform, following the successful validation of a pilot project in France. Designed for reservoirs, agricultural ponds, industrial water bodies, and artificial lakes, the modular system can be adapted to various site configurations. Neluma features 100% recyclable aluminum catamaran floats and ARaymond's clip-on fastening system, which simplifies installation, reduces on-site fastening work, and eliminates the need for retightening during operation. The company also deploys mobile microfactories near project sites to manufacture and assemble components locally, reducing transportation costs and accelerating project delivery. The first 260 kW pilot installation in Savoie, France, was completed in just seven days and has operated without corrective maintenance since entering service in 2024. ARaymond is now expanding Neluma through regional production hubs in France, India, and Brazil, targeting floating solar projects on reservoirs, quarries, and agricultural water bodies. The company believes the platform's sustainable design and localized manufacturing model will support the growing global demand for floating solar energy solutions.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
Cross-Analysis of China-Taiwan
Fastener Trade Statistics, January–July 2026
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Competitive-Cooperative Dynamics Between China &Taiwan: Next Battle Over Markets / Products / Value Chain
The global fastener industry is entering a stage in which competition is gradually shifting from “volume” to “positioning within the supply chain.” Tariffs, origin tracing, regionalized manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and geopolitics are reshaping the market landscape for fastener companies. In 2026, the EU continued to adjust its anti-dumping measures on Chinese steel fasteners, demonstrating that trade barriers facing Chinese fasteners in major markets have not disappeared. Meanwhile, global trade continues to grow, but is becoming increasingly fragmented and restructured. For fastener companies in China and Taiwan, the real question is no longer simply “Who exports more?” but rather: Who controls the markets? Who controls highvalue products? And who can remain in the supply chain as it undergoes restructuring? Using data from the General Administration of Customs of China, Taiwan International Trade Administration, and Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), this article cross-analyzes fastener import and export statistics from 2021 through January– July 2026. The data reveals a striking phenomenon: China’s advantage lies not only in its scale, but also in its diversified export destinations, while Taiwan’s strengths are more closely associated with unit prices, product value, and high-end markets.
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2026 年 1~7 月兩岸緊固件 貿易統計交叉解析 China’s Fasteners: Export Scale Recovers, but the Market Focus Is Shifting
According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (Figure 1), China’s fastener exports reached US$9.09 billion in 2021 and surged further to US$10.94 billion in 2022. They subsequently declined to US$9.14 billion in 2023 amid changes in global demand, inventory adjustments, and market conditions. Exports gradually recovered in 2024 and 2025, reaching US$10.04 billion in 2025. More significantly, China’s fastener exports reached US$6.184 billion in January– July 2026, approximately 6.0% higher than the US$5.834 billion recorded during the same period of 2025. This indicates that Chinese fastener exports continue to expand despite considerable uncertainty in the global trade environment. The most notable feature of China’s market structure is that its dependence on the U.S. market is actually far lower than Taiwan’s. During January–July 2026, the U.S. accounted for only about 12.7% of China’s fastener exports, while the EU plus the UK accounted for approximately 18.5%. In contrast, ASEAN-10 plus Japan, South Korea, and India accounted for as much as 28.8%, while other markets accounted for
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
Figure 2 reveals an important signal: China’s export growth is occurring not only in European and U.S. markets, but also extensively in Asian manufacturing bases and emerging markets. Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and India are all important nodes in manufacturing and supply chain restructuring. This gives Chinese fastener companies an advantage that is difficult for Taiwanese companies to replicate: enormous production capacity combined with highly diversified export markets.
China’s Imports: High-End Demand Still Exists, but Is Highly Concentrated
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China’s fastener imports are significantly smaller than its expor ts. According to the General Administration of Customs of China, fastener imports totaled US$2.354 billion in 2025, equivalent to approximately 23% of exports during the same year. Imports reached US$1.405 billion in January–July 2026. This “large exports, small imports” structure indicates that China’s fastener industry has achieved a very high level of domestic supply capability. However, its import sources reveal another side of the market: China still relies on Japan, Germany, the U.S., Taiwan, Italy, and other countries for higher-value or specialized fasteners (Figure 3).
Taiwan ranked fourth among China’s fastener import sources. During January–July 2026, fastener exports from Taiwan to China reached US$141 million, accounting for approximately 10% of China’s total fastener imports. This demonstrates that Taiwan continues to hold a significant position in China’s supply chain. More importantly, China’s fastener imports from Japan, Germany, and the U.S. totaled a ppr ox i m at e ly U S $ 76 9 m i l l i o n du r i n g January–July 2026, accounting for more than 54% of total fastener imports. This can be regarded as another side of China’s fastener industry: although its large-scale manufacturing capabilities are mature, international suppliers still have room to compete in certain high-end, specialized, or high-value-added products.
Taiwan’s Fasteners: Export Scale Shrinks, but Unit Prices Rise
If the export value alone is considered, Taiwan is clearly not a match for China in terms
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120.00
Unit: USD 100 Million
approximately 40.0%. In other words, China’s fastener exports are not simply dependent on the U.S. market. Instead, China has developed a multicore export structure spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and other emerging markets.
Figure 1. Statistics on the Value of China's Fastener Exports to Various Countries
80.00
40.00
0.00 World
U.S.A
ASEAN+ Japan/ S. Korea/ India
EU+UK
Other Countries
Non-U.S. Regions
2021
90.90
12.57
21.40
23.43
33.50
78.33
2022
109.36
16.48
21.67
30.60
40.61
92.88
2023
91.39
12.27
17.06
25.57
36.50
79.12
2024
95.64
13.54
18.97
24.86
38.27
82.10
2025
100.43
12.61
19.86
27.03
40.92
87.81
Jan-July 2025
58.34
7.62
11.64
15.58
23.5
50.72
Jan-July 2026
61.84
7.86
11.46
17.78
24.73
53.98
Data from the General Administration of Customs of China
Figure 2. Top 10 Export Destinations for Chinese Fasteners, January–July 2026 (Source: General Administration of Customs of China; Unit: USD 100 Million) Malaysia, 1.74 , 2.8% USA Australia, 1.79 , 2.9%
Vietnam
South Korea, 1.79 , 2.9%
Russia Germany
India, 1.95 , 3.2%
Thailand
Others, 31.98 , 51.7%
Japan, 2.02 , 3.3%
Japan Thailand, 2.45 , 4.0%
India South Korea
Germany, 2.79 , 4.5% Russia, 3.00 , 4.9%
Australia USA, 7.86 , 12.7%
Malaysia Others
Vietnam, 4.47 , 7.2%
Figure 3. Top 10 Sources of Fastener Imports to China, January–July 2026 (Source: General Administration of Customs of China; Unit: USD 100 Million) Switzerland, 0.18, 1.3% United Kingdom, 0.37, 2.6% South Korea, 0.49, 3.5% China, 0.54, 3.8%
USA
Other, 1.89, 13.5%
Japan USA, 2.83, 20.1%
Germany Taiwan Italy
Japan, 2.57, 18.3%
France China
France, 0.73, 5.2%
South Korea United Kingdom
Italy, 0.75, 5.3%
Germany, 2.29, 16.3%
Switzerland Other
Taiwan, 1.41, 10.0%
of scale. Figure 4 shows that Taiwan’s fastener exports increased from US$5.319 billion in 2021 to US$6.141 billion in 2022, before declining for 3 consecutive years to US$4.201 billion in 2025. During January–July 2026, exports totaled US$2.359 billion, down 5.8% from US$2.506 billion during the same period of 2025.
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Taiwan’s Top 10 Export Destinations: Highly Concentrated in the U.S. and Advanced Industrial Markets
Figure 5 highlights an interesting difference between China and Taiwan. Among China’s top 10 destinations are Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Malaysia, ref lecting the importance of Asian manufacturing bases. Taiwan, by contrast, is clearly concentrated in mature industrial markets such as the U.S., Germany, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. If the two sides were to be summarized in a single sentence, China is more like a “global large-scale supplier,” while Taiwan is more like a “specialized supplier to mature industrial markets.” The challenge is that Taiwan must bear a higher degree of market concentration risk.
Taiwan’s Imports: Small in Scale, but Highly Specialized in Supply Chain Structure
Taiwan’s fastener imports are far below its exports. Total imports were only US$246 million in 2025 and US$156 million during January–July 2026.
Taiwan’s fastener trade structure is therefore quite distinctive. Export value is more than 10 times import value, yet Figure 6 shows that import sources are concentrated among technology-oriented suppliers such as Japan, the U.S., and Germany, as well as Asian supply chain partners including China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. This indicates that Taiwan does not operate as a completely closed manufacturing system. Instead, it imports certain materials, specialized specif ications, and products, then converts its own manufacturing capabilities into exports.
Figure 4. Statistics on the Value of Taiwan's Fastener Exports to Various Countries 70.00 60.00
Unit: USD 100 Million
The most obvious difference between Taiwan and China is market concentration. During January–July 2026, approximately 41.5% of Taiwan’s fastener exports were concentrated in the U.S., compared with only about 12.7% for China. Taiwan’s fastener exports to the U.S. totaled approximately US$978 million, even higher than China’s US$786 million during the same period. This is both Taiwan’s strength and its greatest risk. On the one hand, it demonstrates Taiwan’s strong customer base and competitiveness in the U.S. market. On the other hand, as U.S. tariff policies, origin investigations, and supply chain localization continue to intensify, Taiwan’s fastener industry faces significantly greater market concentration risk than China.
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U.S.A
EU+UK
ASEAN+ Japan/ S. Korea /India
2021
53.19
22.50
15.51
2022
61.41
27.47
17.72
2023
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2024
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2025
Other Countries
Non-U.S. Regions
5.36
9.82
30.69
5.68
10.53
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4.37
7.99
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12.42
3.99
7.91
24.32
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7.52
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25.06
10.89
7.81
2.65
4.15
14.61
Jan-July 2026
23.59
9.78
7.30
2.83
4.11
14.24
Data from Taiwan International Trade Administration
Figure 5. Top 10 Export Destinations for Taiwanese Fasteners, January–July 2026 (Source: Taiwan International Trade Administration; Unit: USD 100 Million) Spain, 0.47, 2.0%
France, 0.47, 2.0% USA
UK, 0.69, 2.9% China, 0.71, 3.0%
Other, 5.2, 22.0%
Mexico, 0.79, 3.3%
Germany Netherlands Japan Canada
Canada, 1.06, 4.5%
Mexico
Japan, 1.18, 5.0%
USA, 9.78, 41.5%
Netherlands, 1.23, 5.2%
China UK Spain France Other
Germany, 2.01, 8.5%
Figure 6. Top 10 Import Sources for Taiwanese Fasteners, January–July 2026 (Source: Taiwan International Trade Administration; Unit: USD 100 Million) USA
Sweden, 0.03, 1.9% Thailand, 0.03, 1.9% Switzerland, 0.04, 2.6%
Japan Others, 0.26, 16.7%
USA, 0.36, 23.1%
China Germany Vietnam
South Korea, 0.05, 3.2% Malaysia, 0.07, 4.5%
Malaysia Japan, 0.31, 19.9%
Switzerland
Vietnam, 0.07, 4.5% Germany, 0.1, 6.4%
South Korea
China, 0.24, 15.4%
Thailand Sweden
China Vs. Taiwan: The Export Scale Gap Is Clear, but the Real Difference Lies in “Volume” and “Price”
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Others
When China’s and Taiwan’s fastener statistics from their respective customs authorities are compared for January–July 2026, China’s fastener exports totaled approximately US$6.184 billion, compared with approximately US$2.359 billion for Taiwan, meaning China’s exports were about 2.6 times those of Taiwan. However, the more important indicators are “weight” and “unit price.” According to comparable data from Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute, China’s average fastener export price during January–July 2026 was approximately US$1.99/kg, while Taiwan’s was approximately US$3.68/kg. In other words, China’s export weight of 3.303 million tons was approximately 5 times Taiwan’s 665,700 tons, while Taiwan’s average unit price was about 1.85 times China’s.
Taiwan is not competing with China in terms of production volume. Instead, it is seeking competitive space through unit value, product specifications, quality requirements, and customer applications. Product-level data from TIFI further confirms this difference. During
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INDUSTRY FOCUS January–July 2026, China’s bolt exports reached US$1.894 billion, nut exports US$1.040 billion, and self-tapping screw exports US$668 million. Taiwan’s corresponding figures were approximately US$1.132 billion, US$499 million, and US$398 million, respectively. China holds a clear scale advantage in every major product category, but the unit prices of most Taiwanese products remain significantly higher than those of China. For example, during the same period, Taiwan’s average bolt export price was approximately US$3.56/kg, compared with China’s US$2.11/kg. For nuts, Taiwan averaged approximately US$4.08/kg, versus China’s US$2.30/kg. This means that companies on the two sides are not competing through exactly the same model.
China’s Strengths and Warning Signs: Scale Is Not an Eternal Moat
China Fastener World no.78/2026
China’s greatest strengths are its scale, cost competitiveness, comprehensive industrial chain, and ability to diversify its markets. During January–July 2026, China’s fastener exports still increased by approximately 6% year on year, while exports to ASEAN plus Japan, South Korea, and India increased by more than 14%. Even amid trade pressure in the U.S. and European markets, China can absorb part of the demand through Asian and other emerging markets. But this also represents a warning sign. Continued expansion of China’s export volume may intensify overseas concerns about “overcapacity and lowprice competition.” Discussions surrounding Chinese manufacturing exports and production capacity have recently intensified worldwide, wit h Eu ropea n indust r ies in pa r t icula r expressing concerns about the impact of Chinese manufacturing on domestic industries.
For Chinese fastener companies, the real challenge in the next stage is not simply to pursue greater production volume, but to avoid allowing “large-scale, low-price exports” to become a justification for trade barriers. Improving materials, heat treatment, surface treatment, special specifications, certification capabilities, and brand value will become more important than simply expanding capacity.
Taiwan’s Strengths and Warning Signs: High Unit Prices Are Both a Moat and a Stress Test Taiwan’s greatest strengths are its unit prices and market quality. During January– July 2026, Taiwan’s average fastener export
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price was approximately US$3.68/kg, significantly higher than China’s US$1.99/kg. Taiwan also has a deep customer base in mature industrial markets such as the U.S., Germany, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. However, the data sends a very clear warning: Taiwan’s export volume is shrinking, while its dependence on the U.S. market is too high. During January–July 2026, Taiwan’s fastener export value declined by approximately 5.8% year on year, while export weight fell by 11.4%. Meanwhile, the average unit price increased by approximately 5.9%. This is not necessarily bad news. It may indicate a structural shift toward a “lower volume, higher value” model in Taiwan: low-priced, low-value-added orders are declining, while the products that remain have a higher average value. However, if this trend develops into a combination of “lower volume, greater customer concentration, and declining capacity utilization,” high unit prices may cease to be an advantage and instead become a source of cost pressure.
The Next Battle Is Who Can Adapt Faster to Supply Chain Restructuring
When the data from both sides is viewed together, a clear picture of the future emerges. China needs to solve the problem of “converting scale into value,” while Taiwan needs to solve the problem of “converting value into a larger market.” China cannot rely solely on price and production capacity. As the U.S., EU, and other markets place greater emphasis on origin, supply chain transparency, and trade fairness, the larger China’s export scale becomes, the more likely it is to attract scrutiny. Taiwan, meanwhile, cannot simply defend its position in the U.S. market. Taiwan’s real task is not to abandon the U.S., but to maintain its advantage there while expanding its presence in Europe, India, ASEAN, the Middle East, and other emerging markets. Particularly noteworthy is that Taiwan’s fastener exports to ASEAN-10 plus Japan, South Korea, and India totaled approximately US$283 million during January–July 2026, up about 6.6% year on year. The average unit price in this market was even higher, at approximately US$4.63/kg. By comparison, China exported approximately US$1.897 billion in fasteners to the same market, about 6.7 times Taiwan’s exports, but its average unit price was approximately US$2.22/kg. This may be the market where Taiwan has the greatest potential to break through: rather than competing with China on price, Taiwan could replicate its “high-value supplier” model in markets where China has not yet fully established a high-value advantage.
Conclusion: China Needs to “Move Up,” While Taiwan Needs to “Move Out”
The data ultimately leaves two very clear messages. For China’s fastener industry, export scale is no longer the problem; the next issue is value. Faced with anti-dumping measures, tariffs, origin investigations, and growing global concerns over Chinese production capacity, Chinese companies must move beyond being a “manufacturing powerhouse” and become “high-value suppliers.” Otherwise, larger export volumes may bring greater trade friction. For Taiwan’s fastener industry, product value is not the problem; the next issue is the market. Taiwan enjoys significantly higher export unit prices than China and has established customers in mature industrial markets. However, excessive dependence on the U.S. market exposes the industry to tariffs, policy changes, and shifts in demand. The next stage of competition between the fastener industries of China and Taiwan can therefore be summarized in two sentences: China must move from “volume” to “value,” while Taiwan must move from “value” to “diversified volume.” If China can convert its scale into technology, quality, and brand value, and if Taiwan can replicate its high-unit-value capabilities across more markets, both sides will still have room to grow. But if China continues to rely on low-price expansion while Taiwan remains heavily dependent on a single market, the statistics revealed in this analysis will represent more than competitive advantages—they may gradually become warning signals for the next stage of industry development.
Copyright owned Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
2026 Ranking of Taiwanese
Fastener Companies in China 2026 中國緊固件 台商排行榜
Table 1 shows that in the fastener manufacturer category, 7 companies made it into the Top 1,000 ranking, two fewer than the 9 companies listed in the previous ranking published by the Commercial Times. Zhejiang Tong Ming and Gem-Year Industrial continued to hold the top two positions among Taiwan-invested fastener companies in China. Zhejiang Tong Ming rose significantly from No. 208 in 2025 to No. 181, while Gem-Year Industrial from No. 239 to No. 217. The biggest change in 2026 was the return of Hama Naka Motogawa Metal Product (Kunshan), which re-entered the ranking for the first time since 2023 when it ranked No. 616. It jumped to No. 499 this year, making it the thirdlargest Taiwan-invested fastener company in China.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
By contrast, Xiamen Boltec, which ranked third in 2025, as well as other companies including Gem-Safe, Huanghua Jujin Hardware Products and Xiamen Bolwir, were no longer on the list this year. Meanwhile, Shanghai Chun Zu Machinery Industry emerged as a new entrant. Notably, Suzhou New Best Wire Tech, Suzhou Yeswin, and Chun Yu (Dongguan) Metal Products remained on the ranking, indicating that Taiwan-invested fastener companies with many years of operations in China continue to possess a certain level of market foundation. For 2026, 4 listed companies recorded an improvement in their revenue rankings, marked by upward red arrows: Zhejiang Tong Ming, Gem-Year Industrial, Suzhou New Best Wire Tech, Suzhou Yeswin. In terms of revenue growth, Hama Naka Motogawa Metal Product (Kunshan) increased by 6.57%, making it the best-performing company among this year's listed firms, while Shanghai Chun Zu Machinery Industry also posted 2.91% growth. On the other hand, Chun Yu (Dongguan) Metal Products saw its revenue decline by 21.16%, the largest drop among the companies on this year's list. In terms of net profit margin, Hama Naka Motogawa Metal Product (Kunshan) ranked first at 25.71%, significantly higher than the other listed companies. This demonstrates that although its revenue scale has yet to reach the top tier, its profitability is particularly strong. In 2026, 2 listed companies still recorded revenues exceeding RMB 1 billion: Zhejiang Tong Ming and Gem-Year Industrial. However, this was a significant decrease from the 4 companies that surpassed this threshold in 2025. The 7 listed companies generated combined net revenue of approximately RMB 6.182 billion, down about 25.6% from the approximately RMB 8.304 billion generated by 9 companies in 2025. This indicates a substantial contraction in the overall revenue scale of Taiwan-invested fastener companies
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INDUSTRY FOCUS Source: Commercial Times, Aug. 2026, Top 1,000 Taiwanese Enterprises in China Data sorted by net revenue
Table 1. 2026 Ranking of Taiwanese Fastener Companies in China
(Unit: RMB 1,000)
Top 1,000 Ranking 2026
Net Revenue
2024
Revenue Growth (%)
Total Assets
Net Profit
Net Profit Margin (%)
Capital
Net Value
Business Content
181▲
208
193
Zhejiang Tong Ming
Tong Ming Enterprise
2,319,378
0.87
3,033,192 138,371
5.97
706,000 1,526,061
Stainless steel fastener and wire rod production and sales
217▲
239
239
Gem-Year Industrial
GemYear
1,941,118
-1.85
5,222,764 187,880
9.68
954,440 4,194,510
Fastener production and sales
---
Hama Naka Motogawa Metal Product (Kunshan)
Hama Naka 699,319 Shoukin Industry
6.57
990,482 179,807
25.71
51,047
803,961
Fastener production and sales
631
Suzhou New Best New Wire Best 577,464 Industrial Wire Tech
191,334 553,988
Carbon steel and alloy steel wire rod production and sales
---
Suzhou Yeswin
QST International
224,198
-9.97
344,207
32,416
14.46
68,049
294,239
Automotive parts production and sales
959
Chun Yu (Dongguan) Metal Products
Chun Yu 213,810 Works
-21.16
290,919
10,272
4.80
467,527 268,042
Fastener production and sales
---
Shanghai Chun Zu Machinery Industry (New Entrant)
Taiwan Steel Group
64,287
Fastener machine production and sales
499
559▲
967▲
983
998
China Fastener World no.78/2026
2025
Company Affiliated Name To
---
589
985
949
---
206,924
-5.23
2.91
590,536
223,466
72,194
12,445
12.50
6.01
120,997
in China compared with the previous year. Notably, 3 subsidiaries of QST International were included in the 2025 ranking, but only Suzhou Yeswin remained on the 2026 list. Gem-Year also saw its representation fall from 2 subsidiaries to just Gem-Year Industrial itself. Overall, the 2026 ranking of Taiwan-invested fastener companies in China presents a picture of “the strong getting stronger, leading companies moving up the rankings, fewer companies making the list, and some companies facing revenue pressure. A noteworthy warning sign is that the decline in the number of Taiwan-invested fastener companies appearing in the 2026 China ranking, together with the downward trend in Taiwan's fastener exports in recent years, may point to a deeper structural change in the industry. Taiwan's fastener exports in 2025 had already fallen from their 2021 level, while exports remained under pressure in early 2026. According to data from Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute, Taiwan's fastener export volume fell 11.41% year on year from January to July 2026, while China's fastener exports increased 1.79% over the same period. This suggests that fastener orders and supply-chain positions are being redistributed. Therefore, the shrinking number of Taiwan-invested fastener companies on the ranking does not necessarily indicate a contraction of China's fastener market itself. Instead, it may signal that Taiwan-invested companies are facing multiple pressures in the Chinese market, including the expansion of local Chinese manufacturers, intensifying price competition and changes in the global trade environment. Compiled by Fastener World
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SUPPLIERS TO EUROPE
宏吉緊固，全球穩固！從永年出發，讓世界看見可靠供應力
Hongji’s Fasteners, Securing the World! From Yongnian to the World: Delivering Reliable Supply
From “Product Supply” to “Integrated Solutions”
Since its establishment in 2012, Handan Yongnian Hongji Machinery Parts Co., Ltd. has leveraged the strengths of being located in Yongnian, Hebei—one of China’s most important fastener industry clusters—to evolve from a traditional product supplier into a professional fastener partner integrating production coordination, quality control, product customization, export services, and supply chain resources. With an approximately 10,000-square-meter facility and a 40-people professional team, the company has obtained ISO 9001 and TÜV certifications, with its products reaching more than 30 countries worldwide.
One-Stop, Multi-product International Fastener Partner
From bolts, nuts, screws, and anchors to threaded rods, washers, rivets, castings, and a wide range of customized and special-shaped parts, the company can supply products in accordance with GB, DIN, ISO, EN, ANSI/ASME, ASTM, and JIS standards. It can also develop tailored solutions based on customer drawings, samples, and specific application environments. Diverse materials—including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum, copper, and nylon—combined with surface treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing and Dacromet, enable its products to serve applications across construction, machinery, railways, energy, mining, automotive, and medical equipment.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Fast Delivery, Stemming from Full-Process Management
For the company, the goal is not simply to manufacture the right products— it is to make sure that the products are up to par to be handed to customers.
Quality control runs throughout the entire process, from requirement confirmation, technical review, first-article approval, in-process inspection, and performance testing to packaging, customs clearance, and international logistics. Approximately 70% of the products can
be shipped within 10 days, while around 80% can be delivered within 15 days. For non-standard products and special requirements, the company remains committed to providing realistic and achievable lead times. In the Central and
Hongji Machinery’s contact: Mr. Taylor Youu, General Manager Email: taylor@hdhongji.com
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Eastern European markets, it sees more than just new orders. It sees growing opportunities for long-term collaboration. T h r oug h mu lt i-p r o d uct i nt eg r a t ion, international standards expertise, flexible customization, mixed-container loading for mult iple specif icat ions, logist ics coordination, and reliable quality and delivery performance, the company aims to reduce the costs and risks customers face when managing multiple suppliers.
Focusing on Central & Eastern Europe, Seeking the Next Long-Term Partner
From Stuttgart and Russia to Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia trade shows, the company cont i nues to engage d i rect ly wit h international market frontlines to better understand what customers in different regions truly need. Its next stop will be FastTec (Russia), October 19–21, Booth E1. To Hongji, sourcing fasteners is not simply about purchasing products. It is about ensuring that the next shipment a r r ives when it is needed, meets t he required quality standards, and is backed by a supplier willing to take responsibility when challenges arise. Looking ahead, the company will continue strengthening its development of high-strength, corrosionresistant, anti-loosening, and customized fastening solutions. Through integrity, more transparent communication, and professional service, it is ready to work alongside customers across Central and Eastern Europe—and the world—to fasten the next stage of shared growth.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
INDUSTRY FOCUS
打造 AI 經濟 : 美國緊固件需求商機
Building the AI Economy: The Fastener Demand Opportunity in the United States
A
China Fastener World no.78/2026
rtificial intelligence is moving from a software story into an industrial buildout. The United States is building multi-gigawatt data centers, upgrading power infrastructure, expanding advanced chip manufacturing and connecting campuses with high-speed networks. That physical expansion could become a major new source of construction and mechanical, electrical and plumbing demand for the fastener industry. AI will not transform the fastener industry because an AI model uses more bolts. The opportunity comes from the physical system required to make AI work. For fastener manufacturers and distributors, the key questions are which parts are being constructed, which phase each project has reached, and what specifications and delivery requirements will control procurement. Demand could be substantial, but it will not be evenly distributed. The scale of the opportunity is becoming clearer as AI workloads push data-center power demand higher. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s United States Data Center Energy Usage Report: 2025 Update estimates that U.S. data centers used 192 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, or 4.7% of national consumption. Its reference case projects 649
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terawatt-hours in 2030, equivalent to 11.8% of projected U.S. electricity use. The study’s broader uncertainty range reaches 521 to 843 terawatt-hours, or 9.5% to 15.3% of national consumption. Those figures do not translate directly into a fastener forecast. Electricity demand can be met through new construction, expansion, more efficient chips and higher utilization. Even so, the direction is important: the AI economy requires continuing investment in physical infrastructure. The U.S. Depar tment of Energy has explicitly defined AI infrastructure as more than a building full of servers. In a 2025 request for information, the department grouped data centers with specialized cooling facilities and associated energy supply, including generation, transmission, substations and storage. That is a useful framework because each layer creates different connection points and purchasing channels.
SUPPLIERS TO EUROPE
高質量緊固方案 - 昕藝五金締造中歐、東歐供應鏈新價值 High-Quality Fastening Solutions
Dongguan Grand Metal Creates New With emerging markets in Central and Eastern Eu rope ga in ing moment um, a nd t he Ch inaEurope Railway Express further facilitating freight transportation between China and Europe, demand for fasteners from traditional European manufacturing hubs has been steadily increasing for Dongguan Grand Metal Company Limited. Recognizing this opportunity, the company is actively expanding its presence in the region, aiming to be the trusted choice for European manufacturers seeking Asian supply partners. The company specializes in standard,
high-quality riveting products while also offering extensive customization capabilities for hardware components. Its product portfolio covers rivet nuts, self-clinching fasteners, welding fasteners, threaded inserts, clip nuts, and CNC-turned parts. By utilizing manufacturing processes such as cold heading and machining, it can meet a wide range of application requirements while emphasizing rapid response.
Particularly, its ability to handle small-batch orders with short lead times helps customers reduce waiting periods.
Facing Europe’s stringent environmental requirements a nd automotive regulations, its products comply with REACH and RoHS requirements, while also introducing low-carbon products and packaging. For automotive products, the company targets a 0 PPM defect rate and operates under an IATF 16949 quality management system. It can provide professional IMDS and PPAP documentation, as well as CBAM-related carbon data, helping European customers meet increasingly rigorous supply chain compliance requirements. Beyond competitive pricing, the company places strong emphasis on “onestop service”. From product supply to packaging, every aspect can be handled according to customer requirements. It can even accommodate customer-specified packaging cartons and labels, allowing products to be sold directly upon arrival, further reducing customers’ labor and operational costs. To strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, the company is actively seeking suitable agents and distributors. It also regularly provides new product and inventory information to help local partners cater quickly to end users. For European buyers seeking a reliable Asian partner, the company’s commitment is clear: to provide high-quality hardware components and fasteners and become a long-term partner that creates value for customers throughout the supply chain!
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Contact: Jason Zhu General Manager Email: jasonzhu@grandametal.com
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
Supply Chain Value in Central / Eastern Europe
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073
INDUSTRY FOCUS AI Data Centers and Reputable Demand
The data center itself will remain the most visible source of demand. AI facilities are often designed for high density, rapid deployment and phased expansion. The buildings must support heavy electrical equipment, large cooling systems, extensive cable pathways and dense server installations. That produces a wide range of fastener requirements rather than one dominant product category.
Const r uct ion ca n requi re st r uct u ra l bolts and anchor rods for steel, concrete anchors, threaded rod and strut hardware for mechanical and electrical systems, self-drilling screws for panels and roofing, pipe-support connections, cable-tray hardware, equipment anchors and fasteners used in HVAC and fire-protection systems. Interior fit-out adds rack and enclosure connections, raisedfloor components and hardware for powerdistribution equipment. The piece count can be significant because the same connection is repeated across large buildings and multiple halls. A supplier that wins an approved vendor position may participate in several phases, with recurring replenishment as capacity expands. Me t a’s R ic h l a n d Pa r i s h p r o je c t i n Louisiana illustrates the scale of this local economic activity. Meta says the four-millionsquare-foot campus will house its largest multi-gigawatt AI training cluster, known as Hyperion. One year after breaking ground, the company reported more than US$875 million in contracts with Louisiana businesses, work involving more than 160 local businesses, 3,700 construction workers supported to date and a peak construction workforce expected to reach 5,000. The project’s surrounding investments also include more than US$300 million for roads, water and wastewater infrastructure.
Microsoft’s Fairwater development in Wisconsin offers another indication of how AI facilities can generate repeated construction demand. Microsoft says its local hyperscale construction spending is expected to reach US$4.7 billion between 2024 and 2028. Its first facility is operational, while a second adjacent facility is under construction, including foundation work, steel erection and underground utilities. The company says nearly 10,000 construction workers contributed to development of the first facility. These projects also show why schedule performance matters. Data centers are built to bring revenue-generating computing capacity online quickly. A missing anchor or unavailable specialty fastener can hold up an entire trade. Suppliers that offer kitting, bar-coded packaging, vendormanaged inventory, local stocking and rapid replenishment may compete with project reliability rather than unit price alone.
Power Infrastructure
The largest indirect opportunity may sit outside the data-center fence. AI campuses require substantial and reliable power, which can mean new substations, transformers, switchgear, distribution systems, transmission connections, backup generation and batteries. These projects use fasteners in structural steel, equipment supports, busbar and cable systems, grounding assemblies, enclosures, pipework, access platforms and maintenance infrastructure. Outdoor substations and generation sites also create demand for galvanized, coated or stainless products that can withstand weather, moisture, chemicals and thermal cycling.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Power infrastructure is typically procured through utilities, electrical contractors, engineering-procurement-construction firms and equipment manufacturers rather than directly by a data-center operator. A fastener manufacturer may benefit from the AI boom without ever selling to a cloud company; its customers may be a substation fabricator, transformer supplier, generator integrator or utility contractor. DOE’s AI inf rast r uct ure request underscores the importance of this market. It asks about co-locating data centers with energy sources and identifies long lead times for power and onsite-energy equipment as a potential challenge. For fastener suppliers, long-lead equipment creates
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INDUSTRY FOCUS an incentive for early qualification and stocking agreements, especially where a fastener is part of a certified assembly or must meet a particular coating, strength or traceability requirement. AI servers generate a different infrastructure profile from conventional enterprise computing. Higher chip density increases the need for advanced power distribution and thermal management. Microsoft describes its Fairwater AI data centers as using two-story designs, NVIDIA Blackwell systems, high-throughput networking and closed-loop liquid cooling. The company also says its AI network connects facilities in different states with dedicated fiber infrastructure. For the fastener industry, liquid cooling can expand demand for pipe clamps, brackets, supports, equipment-mounting hardware and corrosion-resistant connections. Dense electrical and fiber installations increase the need for cable-tray hardware, rack connections, grounding hardware and containment systems. This is also where specialized products can outperform commodity products. Vibration resistance, material compatibility, corrosion protection, installation access and documentation may matter more than a small difference in purchase price. Suppliers that understand data-center mechanical, electrical and plumbing specifications will be better positioned than those treating the market as a generic commercial-building opportunity.
Opportunities for Semiconductor Expansion
A I dema nd is a lso encou raging i nvest ment i n t he sem iconductor supply chain. In Ma rch 2025, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company said it intended to expand its U.S. investment to US$165 billion, including three additional fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a research and development center. TSMC said the expansion was intended to support AI and other advanced applications and could support 40,000 construction jobs over four years.
Semiconductor fabrication plants are not ordinary industrial buildings. They require cleanrooms, ultra-pure water, chemical distribution, process gases, exhaust systems, vibration control and engineered mechanical infrastructure. That can create demand for stainless and specialty fasteners, cleanroom-compatible hardware, anchors, supports and products with rigorous material and lot documentation.
An Opportunity for Prepared Suppliers
The AI boom is therefore likely to benefit the U.S. fastener industry, but the gains will be uneven. Standard screws, anchors, threaded rod and strut hardware may see volume growth from data-center construction. Larger structural and corrosion-resistant products may benefit from power and industrial projects. Specialty stainless, high-strength, vibration-resistant and highly documented products may find opportunities in cooling systems, semiconductor facilities and critical electrical equipment.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
There are constraints. Data-center projects can be delayed by power availability, permitting, financing, community opposition or changing technology. More efficient chips could reduce the amount of infrastructure required for a given level of computing, while a small number of hyperscale operators may concentrate purchasing power. Domestic content rules, tariffs, certification requirements and long lead times can also raise the cost of entering the market. For manufacturers and distributors, the best response is to follow the project before the fastener order is released. Identify the owner, general contractor, steel fabricator, MEP contractor, equipment OEM and utility connection. Determine the project phase, then align inventory, approvals, packaging, origin documentation and delivery capability with it. Foreign manufacturers can participate where they bring scale, specialized technology or capacity that is not readily available domestically. The strongest route may involve U.S. production or processing, qualified distributors, local inventory and partnerships with compliant contractors. Domestic-content requirements do not eliminate overseas suppliers, but they make origin and supply-chain structure commercially important. America’s AI buildout is not simply a request for more bolts. It is a request for reliable connections across a new industrial ecosystem. Fastener companies that can provide the right product, the right documentation and the right delivery model may find that AI creates a durable source of demand well beyond the walls of the data center. Copyright owned Fastener World / Article by Sabrina Rodriguez
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
Four Megaprojects Reshaping U.S. Fastener Demand 4大重要建設緊固件需求
California’s High-Speed Rail
New York’s Hudson Tunnel
Maryland’s Key Bridge Rebuild
Meta’s Data Center Build in Louisiana
Across the United States, a new generation of infrastructure and construction projects is moving from planning into active procurement and installation. The headline figures are enormous: multibillion-dollar rail corridors, tunnels, bridges and data centers. For the fastener industry, however, project value alone does not reveal the opportunity. The more useful questions are what is being built, which construction phase is underway, what specifications apply and how products reach the jobsite. Four projects illustrate the range of demand now emerging. California High-Speed Rail is advancing from civil structures toward track and electrical systems. The Hudson Tunnel Project combines underground, marine and rail construction. Baltimore's replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will require years of demanding structural and marine work. Meta's Hyperion data-center campus in Louisiana represents a different market altogether: rapid, repeatable construction with extraordinary mechanical and electrical density. Together, they show why U.S. fastener demand is likely to broaden, while becoming more specialized.
California's high-speed rail program is already one of the country's largest active civil works programs. According to the California High-Speed Rail Authority's July 2026 status report, 65 of 92 structures in the first construction packages were complete by the end of May, with 26 underway. The authority also reported 89 of the first 119 guideway miles complete. Bridges, viaducts, trenches, grade separations and utility relocations have generated demand for structural bolts, anchor rods, formwork hardware, concrete anchors, guardrail fasteners and many other construction products. The next opportunity is different. The authority has awarded contracts for long welded rail, concrete ties and overhead contact system poles, while additional procurements cover cable troughs, electrical components and fiber-optic systems. As work shifts toward track and systems, demand will increasingly favor rail clips
and assemblies, pole and bracket connections, cablesupport hardware and vibration-resistant products. This phase can also create openings for international fastener manufacturers with specialized technology, competitive scale or products that are not readily available within required schedules. Buy America and Build America rules limit the direct use of imported material, but they do not exclude foreign companies from the supply chain. Overseas manufacturers can participate through U.S.based production, partnerships with compliant domestic processors and distributors, or, in limited cases, project waivers when suitable domestic capacity is unavailable. For foreign suppliers, the opportunity therefore lies less in exporting standard products and more in localizing production, documenting origin, meeting U.S. rail specifications and filling capacity or technology gaps in the American market.
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China Fastener World no.78/2026
California’s High-Speed Rail
INDUSTRY FOCUS New York’s Hudson Tunnel
Maryland’s Key Bridge Rebuild The replacement of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge offers the clearest example of traditional heavy structural demand. Permanent foundation pile installation and temporary trestle construction are underway, and the new bridge is expected to open in late 2030. The cable-stayed design will provide at least 230 feet of vertical clearance and will require major pylons, marine foundations, approach spans and a new main span.
Fastener demand will be distributed across many systems rather than concentrated in one visible steel structure. Likely applications include embedded anchors, threaded rod, structural connections, tunnel and rail hardware, cable supports, pipe restraints and equipment mounting. Marine and underground exposure place a premium on coatings, corrosion resistance and long service life. Just as important, a project of this complexity rewards suppliers that can manage submittals, certifications and precisely scheduled deliveries. The opportunity may therefore be measured less by commodity tonnage than by the value of engineered, traceable products supplied across a long construction cycle.
Those elements point to the demand of high-strength structural bolts, large-diameter anchor rods, bearing and expansion-joint hardware, bridge-rail connections and hotdip galvanized or otherwise corrosion-protected fasteners. Fastener demand will begin well before crews assemble the permanent bridge. Temporary access trestles, crane platforms and construction bracing all require substantial connection hardware. Demand should then rise again as work advances to the main span and marine approaches later in the construction schedule. For fastener suppliers, early qualifications with steel fabricators and major subcontractors may be more valuable than waiting for material to reach the jobsite procurement stage.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
The US$16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project will add a new two-tube rail tunnel between New Jersey and Manhattan and rehabilitate the existing North River Tunnel. In July 2026, the Gateway Development Commission reported that the first construction package was complete and six more were in progress. Work includes access shafts, concrete casing, riverbed stabilization, marine construction and preparations for tunnel-boring machines.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS Meta’s Data Center Build in Louisiana Meta's Hyperion campus in Richland Parish, Louisiana, broadens the picture beyond public infrastructure. Announced as a US$10 billion investment, the four-million-square-foot campus is being built on approximately 2,250 acres, with construction expected to continue through 2030. Meta reported that the project supported 3,700 construction workers during its first year and was expected to reach a peak workforce of about 5,000 in 2026. A data center does not use the same concentration of massive structural connections as a cable-stayed bridge, but its fastener piece count can be immense. Concrete anchors, threaded rod, strut fittings, self-drilling screws, roof and wall-panel fasteners, cable-tray connections, equipment anchors, pipe supports and HVAC hardware are repeated across vast buildings. Speed is crucial because individual halls are often delivered in phases and standardized designs are replicated. Suppliers able to provide kitted assemblies, vendor-managed inventory and rapid replenishment can become integral to productivity. The project also drives indirect demand through new power, road, water and wastewater infrastructure surrounding the campus.
These four megaprojects support a positive outlook for U.S. fastener consumption, but the gains will not be evenly distributed.
Bridges favor larger, highstrength and corrosion-resistant products. Rail construction adds specialized fastening systems and electrical-support hardware. Tunnels require engineered anchors and dependable documentation. Data centers generate high volume demand for smaller commercial and MEP fasteners, with exceptional emphasis on availability and installation speed. Demand also passes through different channels: steel fabricators may purchase bridge bolts, rail-system contractors may control track hardware and data-center equipment manufacturers may source connections before assemblies ever reach the site.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
The common thread is rising value beyond the fastener itself. Domestic-content compliance, material certifications, lot traceability, protective coatings, job-specific packaging and dependable delivery are becoming decisive capabilities. Manufacturers and distributors that understand the project schedule—and position themselves before each fastener-intensive phase begins—stand to benefit most. America's megaproject pipeline is not simply calling for more bolts. It is calling for the right fasteners, documented and delivered at exactly the right time.
Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Sabrina Rodriguez 惠達雜誌
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
The Global Fastener
Machinery Market in 2025
/// Asian Scale, Western Automation and the Changing Economics of Fastener Production Sever a l s t ud ies pu bl i shed i n 2026 place the global cold-heading-machine segment—the core of industrial fastener forming—at approximately US$4 billion i n 2025 and US$4.2 bi l l ion i n 2026. Other estimates range from about US$3.1 billion to US$4.3 billion, mainly because researchers include dif ferent machine types and aftermarket activities.
2025全球緊固件機械市場剖析 /// Asia-Pacific: the Centre of Volume and Capacity Growth Asia-Pacific remained the largest and most consequential regional market in 2025. It combines the world’s deepest fastener-manufacturing clusters with major machinery builders in China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. At the same time, India and Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly important machinery buyers.
China Scale Changes the Competitive Landscape
China Fastener World no.78/2026
China is the market’s scale leader and its most disruptive exporter. Its share of global metalworking-machine exports rose from 8% in 2016 to approximately 23% in 2025, when it overtook Germany as the world’s largest exporter. The total value of China’s machine imports and exports reached US$33.48 billion in 2025, an increase of 5% year on year.
The total value of China’s machine imports and exports reached US$33.48 billion in 2025, an increase of 5% year on year.
For the fastener sector, the implications are significant. Chinese builders can offer cold headers, nut formers, thread rollers and auxiliary machines at prices that put intense pressure on Japanese, Taiwanese and European suppliers. They are also moving beyond basic mechanical equipment by introducing CNC control, servo-driven systems, automatic feeding, monitoring and increasingly sophisticated multi-station machines. However, a low purchase price does not automatically produce a low cost per accepted part. Buyers manufacturing safety-critical automotive, aerospace or energy fasteners must also consider machine repeatability, tooling life, process documentation, spare-parts availability and after-sales response. This is dividing China’s offering into two levels: standard machinery competing primarily on price and delivery, and a smaller but developing group of builders attempting to enter high-specification applications.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
Taiwan
Japan
The Strategic Middle Position
Precision and International Demand
Taiwan occupies a particularly valuable position between Chinese price competition and Japanese or European premium engineering. It combines an established fastener cluster, experienced machinery builders, strong component suppliers and generally lower investment costs than the top Japanese and European brands.
Japan represents the higher-precision end of the Asian market. Japanese machine orders reached ¥1.604 trillion (US$10.72 billion) in 2025, up 8% and returning to annual growth for the first time in three years. Domestic orders declined marginally by 0.2%, but overseas orders rose 11.5% to ¥1.163 trillion (US$7.78 billion). In January 2026, total orders were another 25.3% above Januar y 2025, largely supported by foreign demand.
In the first half of 2026, Taiwan exported US$978 million of machines, down 3.1% from the previous year. Exports of key machine components, however, increased by 11.4% to US$814 million. Metal-forming machine exports contributed US$27.2 million in June 2026 alone. The stronger component performance matters. Taiwan is not merely exporting complete machines; it is embedded in the international supply chain for controls, feeding systems, precision assemblies and automation components. Its machinery builders are well positioned to serve medium-sized fastener manufacturers that need dependable multi-station equipment and customisation but cannot justify the highest European or Japanese prices.
Japanese fastener-machinery builders remain strongest where customers require production stabi lity, long working life, complex multi-die forming and high process repeatability. Their weakness is usually not technical performance but capital cost. They must increasingly prove that reliability, lower downtime and longer machine life justif y the premium over improving Chinese and Taiwanese alternatives.
India India: the Fastest-growing Major Opportunity India is becoming one of the world’s most attractive machinery-demand markets. In FY2024/25, Indian machine production increased by 7% to ₹145.66 billion, equivalent to approximately US$1.72 billion, while consumption surged by 17% to ₹317.81 billion, or approximately US$3.76 billion. Imports reached ₹186.86 billion, equivalent to approximately US$2.21 billion, compared with exports of only ₹14.72 billion, or approximately US$174 million. India ranked ninth globally in machine production but fourth in consumption. The expansion continued in FY2025/26. Domestic machine production reached approximately ₹164.78 billion, equivalent to around US$1.87 billion, representing growth of about 13%. Order bookings rose approximately 20% to ₹161.76 billion, or about US$1.83 billion.
Total machine consumption exceeded ₹350 billion, approximately US$3.97 billion, for the first time. Imports surpassed ₹200 billion, equivalent to more than US$2.27 billion, and continued to account for approximately 60%–65% of the Indian market. This gap presents a significant opportunity for overseas fastener-machinery suppliers. However, it should not be regarded as a permanent entitlement. Indian manufacturers are investing in more specialised, locally produced and higher-precision machinery. Foreign suppliers relying solely on imported machines may eventually be squeezed between lower-cost Asian competitors and increasingly capable Indian builders. Local assembly, technical partnerships, operator training, spare-parts availability and application engineering will therefore become increasingly important for machinery suppliers seeking long-term growth in India. 惠達雜誌
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Imports reached ₹186.86 billion, equivalent to approximately US$2.21 billion
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Europe Weaker Volumes but Stronger Specialisation Europe experienced another diff icult investment year. Final CECIMO estimates indicate that European machine production declined approximately 6.6% to €23.5 billion in 2025. Europe’s share of world production fell to 30.8%, compared with 33.4% in 2023. Regional consumption declined 3.7%, exports fell 8.8%, and imports decreased 4 . 2%. C E C I MO e x p e c t s a m o d e s t improvement in production, consumption and orders during 2026, but describes the recovery as fragile.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
T he wea k nes s wa s not ca u s ed by a shor tage of engineer ing capabi lity. European bui lder s f aced subdued industrial investment, expensive financing, automotive restructuring, trade uncertainty and intensif ying Chinese competition. For fastener-machinery companies, this means that competing directly with Asian standard machines on purchase price is becoming an increasingly poor strategy. Germany illustrates German the problem. German machine machine production production fell 8% to €13.6 billion fell 8% to i n 2 025. E x p or t s declined 9%, domestic €13.6 billion orders dropped in 2025. 16%, a n d c a p a c i t y Exports utilisation averaged declined 9% on l y 76%. Ne wm a ch i n e i n ve s t m en t remained weak, while service, rebuilding a nd r etrof it ti n g s uppor ted dem a nd. Defence, aviation, medical technology and electronics performed better than the traditional automotive sector. For fastener machiner y, German oppor tunities are therefore concentrated in complex and safety-critical components rather than mass-market standard screws. Customers continue to invest where machinery can deliver rapid changeovers, difficult part geometr ies, stable process capability, traceability and low defect rates. Italy recorded a somewhat dif ferent pattern. Production of machine, robots and automation systems increased 1.5% to €6.42 billion in 2025, while domestic consumption rose 20.5% to €4.47 billion. E x p or t s , however, c o nt r ac t e d 1 3 . 2%.
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UCIMU expects Italian production to reach €6.59 billion in 2026, up 2.6%, with domestic consumption rising another 5.9%. Italy remains important because of its capabilities in metal forming, wire processing, secondary operations, automation and customised production systems. Its machinery companies can compete where the customer requires more than a standalone header—particularly integrated forming, handling, inspection and packaging lines. Europe is also likely to generate a growing retrof it market. Fastener manufacturers are adding new controls, sensors, automatic loading, optical inspection and energy monitoring to machines that remain mechanically sound. This can raise productivity without requiring the capital expenditure of a completely new line. European regulation reinforces the trend. Modern machines increasingly need to record process conditions, rejects, output and energy use. Such information suppor ts both production management and customers’ growing demands for traceability and environmental data. Digital capability is becoming part of the machine itself, rather than an optional software package.
/// North America: Automation Drives Investment North America, led by the United States and Mexico, was one of the strongest machinery markets in 2025. US metalworkingmachinery orders reached US$5.74 billion, 22.5% above 2024. December orders hit a monthly record of US$814.3 million. Momentum continued in 2026, with orders reaching US$2.77 billion during the f irst f ive months—31.9% higher than in the corresponding period of 2025. Aerospace, defence, foreign direct investment and reshoring-related projects contributed to demand. For fastener manufacturers, the central North American issue is labour. Investments are increasingly justified not simply by output speed but by the operator hours, inspection stages, setup work and material movements eliminated. Demand consequently favours automatic wire handling, rapid tooling changes, robotic collection, in-line vision inspection, process monitoring and predictive maintenance. The United States remains attractive for premium European and Japanese machinery, but Taiwanese and selected Chinese suppliers are gaining consideration where investment cost is critical. Tariffs and trade-policy uncertainty complicate purchasing decisions by raising the landed cost of some machines and components while simultaneously encouraging domestic manufacturing. Local spareparts stocks and North American service engineers are becoming stronger competitive advantages.
INDUSTRY FOCUS Mexico should be considered separately. One commercial estimate valued its machine market at approximately US$1.64 billion in 2025. The exact number is less important than Mexico’s position as a production bridge between global suppliers and the United States. Automotive, appliance, aerospace and general-manufacturing clusters create demand for machinery that combines automotivegrade process capability with competitive operating costs.
/// Latin America: Concentrated Rather Than Uniform Demand Outside Mexico, Latin America remains fragmented. Brazil is the principal industrial market, supported by automotive, agricultural machinery, construction and energy applications. Brazilian machinery and equipment exports totalled US$13.8 billion in 2025. Domestic investment weakened in 2026, however, as h igh i nterest rates a f f ected ca pit a l s p end i n g a nd ABIMAQ reduced its forecast for 2026 machinery-sector sales to a decline of 2.3%. Fa s tener-m ach i ner y dem a nd i s c on s e q u en t l y c on c en t r a t e d among established manufacturers, ex por ter s a nd mu lti nationa l com p onent g r oup s. Fi n a nci n g options, Portuguese- or Spanishlan g uage suppor t and local tech n ica l representation are essential. Refurbished Japanese and European machines remain strong competitors because they provide proven capability at a lower initial price.
/// Middle East and Africa: Localisation at an Early Stage T he Middle East and A f r ica account for a comparatively small share of global machiner y sales, but thei r strategic relevance is increasing. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Türkiye represent the clearest opportunities.
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Saudi i ndustr ial isation is encouraging local production of construction, energy, transport and industr ial components. In June 2025, the Kingdom issued 83 new industr ial licences representing m o r e t h a n SR 95 0 m i l l i o n i n planned investment. During the same month, 58 factor ies with investment of approximately SR1.93 billion began production. Because a large proportion of the region’s fasteners are imported, local production is likely to begin with standard bolts, nuts, anchors and 惠達雜誌
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INDUSTRY FOCUS construction products before progressing toward more tech n ical ly demandi n g grades. This favours modular production lines that can start at moderate capacity and expand later. Tur n key suppor t— including machinery, tooling, training, quality systems and maintenance—is more valuable than selling an isolated machine. Türk iye f unctions as both a manuf act ur i n g market and a br idge connecting Europe, Central A sia and the Middle East. Its machinery industry achieved record export value in 2025, although inf lation, f inancing costs and weakness in major customer industries restrained domestic confidence. Türkiye’s white-goods production, for example, fell 9% in 2025, while exports decreased 10%.
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A f r ican demand remai ns more limited. Financing constraints, energy reliability and relatively short production runs make simple forming lines, used machinery, maintenance and equipment for construction fasteners more realistic opportunities than large, fully automated installations.
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/// Conclusion The global fastener machinery market in 2025 was def ined less by headline growth than by a fundamental change in how manufacturers evaluate machinery investment. Asia continued to strengthen its role in global production capacity. China expanded its machinery exports, Japan benef ited from rising overseas demand, Taiwan remained an important supplier of machinery and precision components, and India recorded strong growth in both production and consumption. Europe, meanwhile, faced weaker investment conditions but retained its strength in specialised, high-precision and technologically advanced equipment. North America experienced stronger demand, driven largely by automation, labour shortages, reshoring and investment in aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing. Across all regions, automation moved from being an optional upgrade to an economic necessity. Manufacturers are no longer assessing machines on ly by their max imum production speed. They are increasingly measuring performance through labour requirements, setup time, tooling consumption, scrap rates, energy use, uptime, inspection costs and the consistency of accepted output. This shift is widening the gap between standard and specialised machinery. Producers of conventional bolts, nuts and screws remain highly sensitive to machine price, production speed and delivery time. Manufacturers serving automotive, aerospace, medical, energy and other demanding sectors require much more: process stability, complex multi-station forming, traceability, automatic inspection and technical support.
INDUSTRY FOCUS After-sales service has also become an essential part of the machinery offering. A technically capable machine can quickly lose its value if spare parts are unavailable, maintenance support is slow or local technicians cannot resolve production problems. Remote diagnostics, preventive maintenance, operator training and tooling support are therefore becoming important competitive differentiators. For fastener manufacturers, the most important investment question is no longer: “Which machine has the highest rated speed?” It is: “Which production system delivers the lowest sustainable cost per accepted part throughout its working life?” Answering that question requires manufacturers to look beyond the initial purchase price and calculate the full cost of ownership, including labour, tooling, changeovers, rejects, energy consumption, maintenance, downtime and quality failures. Machinery builders face the same pressure. Lower-cost suppliers must improve reliability, process control and international service. Premium suppliers must prove that their higher prices generate measurable savings, higher productivity or access to more demanding markets. Machines that are neither clearly cheaper nor demonstrably better will face the greatest competitive risk. The regional market did not move uniformly in 2025. Asia remained dominant, North America invested aggressively in automation, Europe concentrated on specialised technology, India expanded rapidly and emerging markets offered selective opportunities. However, one direction was common across the industry: the future of fastener manufacturing will not be determined by forming speed alone. T he nex t generation of competitive machiner y will be integrated, automated, data-driven and suppor ted th roug hout its operating life. The winners will be the systems that can convert w i r e i n t o r el i a ble, t r a c e a ble a n d c er t i f i e d f a s t en er s w i t h fewer operator s, lower ener g y con s u m pt ion, les s wa s te a nd greater production certainty.
References 1. Research and Markets and 360iResearch, Cold Heading Machine Market Estimates, 2025–2032. 2. Fastener Fair Global, 2025 Event Statistics. 3. Taiwan International Fastener Show, Fastener Taiwan 2026 Opening Report. 4. UCIMU/Reuters, China’s Share of Global Machine-Tool Exports, 2025. 5. Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association, Machine Tool Orders for 2025. 6. Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association, January–June 2026 Export and Import Statistics. 7. Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association, Indian Machine Tool Industry FY2024/25 and FY2025/26. 8. CECIMO, European Machine Tool Sector—2025 Results and 2026 Outlook.
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9. VDW, Key Figures of the German Machine Tool Industry: Year 2025. 10. UCIMU, Italian Machine Tool Industry—2025 Preliminary Results and 2026 Forecast. 11. AMT, United States Manufacturing Technology Orders, 2025–2026. 12. ABIMAQ-related industry reporting, Brazilian Machinery Performance and 2026 Outlook.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Behrooz Lotfian 惠達雜誌
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EXHIBITION PREVIEW- POLAND & RUSSIA 9 th International Trade Fair for Fastener and Fixing Technology
中東歐需求攀升 2026 波蘭克拉科夫螺絲展 動能強勁
14th-15th October 2026
Rising Demand in Central Europe Drives Momentum for
FASTENER POLAND 2026 Date: 10/14-15, 2026
Venue: EXPO Krakow
The FASTENER POLAND® trade fair has been the most important meeting for the fastener industry, where key purchasing decisions are made. During the last edition over 170 exhibitors from 17 countries presented their products. Among the products on display at the booths were high-tensile screws, structural rivets and double-ended fasteners, riveting tools, optical screw measurement systems, and fasteners for the automotive industry. Last year's event attracted 3,054 visitors from 36 countries. The largest representation of companies from outside Poland was made up of entrepreneurs from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Germany, and Romania. Guests from as far away as Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea were also present.
俄羅斯莫斯科國際五金工具展 (MITEX) – 俄羅斯緊固件與五金 市場的全新亮點
New Point of Attraction for the Russian MITEX Fasteners – aFasteners and Hardware Market Date: 11/10-13, 2026
Venue: Crocus Expo IEC
For the second year in a row, the special section MITEX Fasteners has been consistently formed as an independent and professional platform for the fasteners and hardware market. The project is part of the Moscow International Tool Expo – MITEX, the largest in Russia and the CIS countries, which will be held on November 10-13, 2026 in Moscow, at the Crocus Expo IEC.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Already in 2025, the project showed a solid start: 55 companies from Russia, China and India presented their solutions, and the exhibition itself demonstrated how high the market's interest in a specialized format entirely dedicated to fasteners is. The growth in demand for fasteners in Russia is offset by an increase in supplies from abroad. Today, the Russian fasteners market is developing in difficult conditions: Demand from construction and industry is growing, but at the same time competition from imports is increasing. In response, domestic manufacturers are increasingly rebuilding their business models: investing in equipment upgrades, automation, and new materials, expanding product lines, developing cooperation with scientific and engineering centers, and building more flexible logistics. In this strategy, industry events such as MITEX Fasteners become an important tool — this is where companies can demonstrate the level of their products, find new partners and respond more quickly to market demands. Participation in MITEX Fasteners provides a unique opportunity to review the market for fasteners and hardware systems, monitor trends and prices, and sign contracts for the supply of products and equipment.
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MITEX Fasteners was created for such a dialogue. The exhibition is built around the real needs of the industry and covers the entire path of fasteners — from production to end use: • Industrial and construction fasteners; • Assembly and installation systems; • Nails and wire; • Equipment and technologies for the manufacture of fasteners; • Solutions for testing and quality control; • Standardization and certification; • Packaging, storage, logistics and sales. MITEX Fasteners is not just an exhibition section, but a working environment for finding solutions, strengthening the positions of Russian manufacturers and forming a new competitive architecture of the fasteners market in Russia. MITEX is the only international exhibition in Russia, the CIS countries and Eastern Europe that presents the full range of tools: power tools and hand tools, equipment for metalworking, construction and repair, painting and varnish coatings, equipment for processing and cutting metal, glass, stone and other materials, gardening equipment, inventory and much more. In 2025, the exhibition area was 50,000 square meters, with 927 companies from 7 countries participating. Read more on the exhibition website www.mitexpo.ru/en/
EXHIBITION PREVIEW- THAILAND & VIETNAM 泰國曼谷國際金屬加工設備展 (METALEX) 40 週年
METALEX
Celebrates 40th Anniversary with “Infinite Possibilities” Date: 11/18-21, 2026
METALEX, the No. 1 Machine Tools and Metalworking Event in ASEAN, organized by the region’s leading exhibition organizer RX BITEC, will mark its 40th anniversary under the theme “Infinite Possibilities,” bringing together the region’s metalworking community to explore new technologies, solutions and opportunities. For 40 years, METALEX has built a strong legacy among metalworking professionals across the region and beyond, serving as a platform for innovative machinery, the latest equipment and cutting-edge solutions from thousands of leading global brands. This year, the event will occupy 55,000 square meters across Halls 98–104 of the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), bringing together more than 3,000 brands from leading technology providers and over 100,000 industry professionals from more than 50 countries over four days.
Venue: BITEC
Alongside live demonstrations and showcases covering machine tools, sheet metalworking, robots, welding, wire and tube, metrology, tools and tooling, factory automation, AI, pump and valves, as well as equipment and accessories, METALEX 2026 will introduce four special highlights to mark its 40th anniversary: •
FUTURE TECH @ METALEX: Witness the next-generation innovations transforming the manufacturing industry, reinforcing METALEX’s position as the No. 1 metalworking exhibition in ASEAN.
•
METALEX NETWORKING GALA: An exclusive networking event bringing together industry professionals and representatives from invited organizations to foster stronger relationships and meaningful business collaborations.
•
METALEX TOMORROW: A series of high-impact, interdisciplinary seminars featuring insights and forward-looking perspectives from international speakers.
•
ASEAN COMMUNITY: A special business-matching service designed to connect METALEX exhibitors with buyers and industry associations from ASEAN member countries.
METALEX 2026 will take place from 18–21 November 2026, 10:00–18:00 hrs., at BITEC, Bangkok. Exhibit space is now open for booking. To explore infinite possibilities of doing business in Thailand and ASEAN, visit www.metalex.co.th or contact metalex@rxbitec.com.
2026 越南胡志明國際五金工具展 (VHHE)
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Date: 12/3-5, 2026
Venue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC)
The 11th Vietnam International Hardware & Hand Tools Expo 2026 (VHHE 2026) will take place from December 3–5, 2026 at Hall B, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. Building on the success of previous editions, VHHE continues to affirm its position as one of the leading specialized exhibitions in the mechanical engineering and supporting industries in Vietnam. The event serves as a vital bridge connecting industry players, promoting domestic consumption, expanding opportunities to participate in global supply chains, and spreading the DIY trend among consumers.
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Vietnam International Hardware & Hand Tools Expo 2026
In 2025, the exhibition welcomed many renowned domestic and international brands. The event featured 348 exhibitors with over 455 booths and attracted 21,026 visitors from 65 countries and territories. VHHE is a comprehensive trade event covering the full value chain—from manufacturing, repairing, assembling, and construction to personal device usage (DIY). The exhibition continues to support the development of Vietnam’s mechanical engineering industry. With an expected scale of over 450 booths across 6,000 sqm, the show will highlight five key product groups: Tools, Power Tools, Fasteners, Building Hardware, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These categories serve a wide range of industries, including engineering, manufacturing, construction, and DIY applications. The event will be held concurrently with the 24th Vietnam Expo HCMC 2026, organized by VINEXAD—one of Vietnam’s leading exhibition organizers. With an estimated 1,000 booths from over 20 countries and territories, the combined event is expected to welcome approximately 25,000 trade visitors over three days.
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Europe’s Fastener Market in 2025 and H1 2026 Import Pressure, High-Value Exports and a Selective Recovery 2025-2026 上半歐洲緊固件市場走勢 2025: € 6.58 Billion of Imports Against € 5.80 Billion of Exports
For statistical consistency, the trade analysis uses EU-27 extra-EU data for CN 7318, covering screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers and similar articles of iron or steel.
In 2025, EU extra-EU imports of CN 7318 fasteners reached approximately €6.58 billion and 1.83 million tonnes. Extra-EU exports reached €5.80 billion but only 547,552 tonnes. The EU therefore recorded a fastener trade deficit of approximately €778 million.
2025 EU Fastener Trade
Import: €6.58 billion / 1.83 million tonnes / €3.59/kg
EU-27 Fastener Indicator
2025
Extra-EU imports
€6.58 billion
Import volume
1.83 million tonnes
Average import value
€3.59/kg
Extra-EU exports
€5.80 billion
Export volume
547,552 tonnes
Average export value
€10.59/kg
Trade balance
-€778 million
Reported production
2.312 million tonnes
Reported production value
€10.10 billion
Estimated apparent consumption* approx. 3.59 million tonnes
Trade Balance -€778 million
Export: €5.80 billion / 547,552 tonnes / €10.59/kg
*Apparent consumption is calculated as domestic production plus imports minus exports. It estimates fasteners available to the EU market rather than measured end-user consumption. The most revealing figure is not the €778 million deficit but the difference in unit values. European exports averaged €10.59/kg compared with €3.59/kg for imports, meaning the average exported kilogram was valued at almost 2.95 times the average imported kilogram. This points to a segmented competitive model: highvolume standard fasteners remain exposed to international price competition, while European producers retain stronger positions in engineered, certified and application-specific products. The volume imbalance is also significant. Net extra-EU imports were about 1.28 million tonnes in 2025, equivalent to roughly 35.7% of estimated apparent consumption. Europe therefore remains dependent on external supply for a substantial share of physical fastener availability even while maintaining a high-value export base. 惠達雜誌
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E
urope remains one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced fastener markets, but its trade structure increasingly reflects two different competitive positions. The European Union imports large volumes of relatively lower-value fasteners, predominantly from Asia, while exporting considerably smaller volumes at substantially higher unit values. Demand conditions also remained uneven through 2025 and the first half of 2026, with automotive, commercial vehicles and aerospace showing stronger signals than construction and broad industrial activities.
INDUSTRY FOCUS Asian Suppliers Strengthen Their Position
China was the EU’s largest external fastener supplier in 2025, with imports valued at approximately €1.691 billion. Taiwan followed at €1.225 billion, Türkiye at €516 million, the United Kingdom at €372 million, India at €314 EU Fastener Imports million, Vietnam at €295 million and Thailand at €119 million. China alone represented approximately 25.7% of total extra-EU fastener import value. China and Taiwan together accounted for about €2.916 billion, equivalent to 44.3% of imports. Adding Türkiye raises the share of these three suppliers to approximately 52.2%. The direction of movement was equally important. Eurostat-based trade analysis indicates that extra-EU fastener import value increased by about 5.3% in 2025 compared with 2024, while exports were broadly stable, declining around 0.4%. EIFI data also show strong volume growth from key Asian origins during January-August 2025: imports from China rose 25.5% year on year, Taiwan 18.5% and Vietnam approximately 49%. Import growth also occurred against a tighter EU trade-defense environment. In June 2025, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 62.3% to 80.7% on certain screws and bolts without heads originating in China. This underscores that competition in the European fastener market is increasingly shaped by trade policy as well as price and demand.
Europe’s Export Strength Lies in Value, Not Tonnage The United States was the largest destination for EU fastener exports in 2025, receiving approximately €1.154 billion. China followed at €716 million, the United Kingdom at €629 million, Switzerland at €364 million, Türkiye at €331 million, Mexico at €300 million and Brazil at €236 million. The US alone represented almost 20% of total extra-EU export value, while the US, China and UK together absorbed approximately 43.1%.
China+Taiwan 44.3%
EU Fastener Exports
USA+China +UK 43.1%
Transatlantic volumes weakened slightly during 2025. According to EIFI using Eurostat data, EU exports of CN 7318 fasteners to the United States fell from 49,400 tonnes in January-August 2024 to 48,300 tonnes in the same period of 2025, a decline of about 2%. EU imports from the US fell more sharply, from 8,200 tonnes to 7,400 tonnes, around 9%. The broader export profile nevertheless illustrates Europe’s industrial strength. In 2025, average EU export values were approximately €8.15/kg for threaded screws and bolts, €15.96/kg for nuts, €8.44/kg for self-tapping screws, €20.51/kg for washers and €18.37/kg for other non-threaded fasteners under CN 731829. These values reinforce the importance of technically demanding, certified and higher-specification products in Europe’s export mix.
Domestic Production and Market Availability
Eurostat-linked production data indicate approximately 2.312 million tonnes of EU fastener production in 2025, valued at €10.10 billion. Combining reported production with extra-EU imports and exports gives estimated apparent consumption of approximately 3.59 million tonnes. This is an accounting estimate of market availability rather than a direct measure of final consumption, because inventories and re-exports can affect the result. Production is concentrated geographically. Germany represented approximately 36.8% of reported EU fastener production in 2025, followed by Italy with 14.5% and France with 9.1%. Austria accounted for 4.6% and Slovakia 2.6%. Germany alone recorded approximately €2.70 billion of fastener exports and €2.00 billion of imports during the year.
2025 EU Fastener Production
Germany 36.8%
Italy France 14.5% 9.1%
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Poland is also becoming an increasingly important demand centre, with fastener imports reaching approximately €543 million in 2025. Its position reflects the growing role of Central and Eastern Europe in automotive production, industrial investment and supplychain localisation.
H1 2026: Demand Improves Selectively
The first half of 2026 showed some improvement in European industrial demand, but not a broad-based recovery. In June, EU industrial production was 0.6% above June 2025 and only 0.2% higher than in May. Intermediate-goods output increased 1.0% year on year and capital-goods production 0.9%, although both categories declined on a monthly basis.
EUROFER’s June 2026 outlook points to similarly modest conditions across steel-using industries. It expects output in EU steel-using sectors to grow by only 1.3% in 2026 after a 0.1% decline in 2025, while apparent steel consumption is forecast to rise only 0.4%. For fastener producers, this suggests limited broad-based growth across the wider metal-consuming economy. Construction remained uneven. Total EU construction production in June 2026 was only 0.2% above June 2025 and declined 1.0% from May. Building construction fell 4.9% year on year, while civil engineering increased 1.4%. The contrast points to weaker conditions for building-related fastening products but relatively better prospects in infrastructure applications.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS Automotive indicators were stronger. EU passenger-car registrations increased 5.7% during H1 2026. Commercial vehicles also improved, with van registrations up 1.9% to 742,759 units and truck registrations rising 9.8% to 171,933 units. Heavy-truck registrations increased 11.1%. These figures provide a more positive demand signal for automotive and transport-related fasteners. Aerospace also strengthened. Airbus delivered 351 commercial aircraft in H1 2026 compared with 306 in H1 2025, an increase of approximately 14.7%. Although this is not an EU-wide 2025 EU Fastener Demand fastener statistic, higher aircraft output is directly relevant to European Construction Automotive Aerospace suppliers of high-specification aerospace fastening systems. uneven
stronger
strengthened
The H1 2026 picture is therefore best described as a selective recovery. Automotive, commercial vehicles and aerospace showed clearer growth signals, while overall industrial production remained modest and conventional building construction was weak. The strongest opportunities consequently remain concentrated in technically demanding applications rather than across the entire fastener market.
CBAM Adds a New Dimension to Import Competition
CN 7318 fasteners are included within the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM. From 2026, the competitive comparison between European and imported fasteners increasingly includes carbon data, embedded emissions and compliance costs in addition to factory price, freight and conventional customs duties. For Asian suppliers, Europe therefore remains a large but increasingly regulated market. For European manufacturers, CBAM may reduce some carbon-cost asymmetry, although it does not eliminate the fundamental price gap in commodity fasteners.
Outlook
Europe’s fastener market is becoming increasingly segmented. The EU remains a major net importer by physical volume, with China and Taiwan together accounting for more than 44% of 2025 extra-EU import value. At the same time, the average value of EU fastener exports was almost three times the import value per kilogram, underlining Europe’s stronger position in higher-value and technically demanding products. Entering the second half of 2026, demand conditions remain mixed. Automotive, commercial vehicles, aerospace and selected infrastructure applications offer better prospects, while building construction and parts of general industry remain subdued. Commodity fasteners will continue to face strong import competition, while European producers are better positioned where engineering content, certification, traceability, low-carbon production and supply reliability carry greater value. China Fastener World no.78/2026
Sources • Eurostat. EU trade, industrial production, construction and production statistics. • EIFI. European fastener trade statistics and market updates based on Eurostat data. • ACEA. EU passenger car and commercial vehicle registrations, H1 2026. • EUROFER. Economic and Steel Market Outlook 2026–2027. • Airbus. H1 2026 commercial aircraft deliveries and results. • European Commission / EUR-Lex. EU fastener tradedefense and CBAM regulations.
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani 惠達雜誌
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INDUSTRY FOCUS
成長但路線分歧的亞洲緊固件市場
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dr. Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani, Taylors University
Asia entered 2026 with the world’s largest and most complex fastener industry. But describing the region simply as “growing” misses the point. China is still the dominant export machine. Taiwan remains heavily dependent on overseas customers. Japan and South Korea continue to compete through higher-value manufacturing. India is becoming increasingly important because of the size of its own domestic demand. Southeast Asia is attracting more manufacturing investment but still imports large volumes of fasteners. Meanwhile, the Persian Gulf is building demand faster than local production can fully respond. So the real story across Asia in 2025 and the first half of 2026 is not just expansion. It is divergence. Some countries are producing for the world. Others are consuming more than they manufacture. And several are trying to move from one position to the other.
China: More Fasteners, More Markets — and Still More Pressure China remained the centre of gravity of the Asian fastener industry in 2025. Exports under HS 7318 reached approximately 4.9997 million tonnes worth US$10.046 billion. Compared with 2024, its export volume increased by 7.31%, while the value increased by only 5.04%. That difference matters. Chinese manufacturers shipped substantially more fasteners, but their revenue did not rise at the same speed. In other words, the volume was still doing more of the work than the price. The pressure on standard fasteners remained intense. China’s reach across Asia is equally important. In 2025, China exported roughly: ◆ US$679.4 million of HS 7318 fasteners to Vietnam; ◆ US$347.8 million to Thailand;
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◆ US$340.4 million to Japan;
◆ US$302.5 million to South Korea; ◆ US$288.3 million to India; ◆ US$257.2 million to Malaysia; ◆ US$172.8 million to Indonesia.
Its role in West Asia was also significant, with approximately US$324.3 million exported to the UAE and US$228.8 million to Saudi Arabia. The United States remained China’s largest individual destination, taking around US$1.262 billion in HS 7318 products. What these figures show is that China is no longer simply the fastener factory supplying Europe and North America. It is also the upstream supplier feeding industrial growth elsewhere in Asia. But there is another side to the Chinese market that is often overlooked. During the first half of 2025, China imported approximately US$1.126 billion of HS 7318 fasteners. Japan supplied around US$239 million, the United States US$204.5 million, Germany US$194.8 million and Taiwan US$114.9 million. That is a useful reminder that scale does not equal complete self-sufficiency. China can dominate the global market for standard fasteners while still importing specialized, technically demanding and application-critical products.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS The first half of 2026 suggests that China’s export engine was still running strongly. Industry reporting based on customs data puts exports at approximately US$6.17 billion and 3.125 million tonnes, with the value up about 4.3% and the volume up around 2.3% year on year. This time, the value was growing faster than the volume. That does not prove that pricing pressure has disappeared, but it does suggest that the balance between price and tonnage improved compared with the pattern seen during 2025. China’s domestic market remains equally important. Industry estimates put the 2025 fastener market or output value near RMB167.5 billion, while estimates for H1 2026 place domestic demand at approximately RMB64–66 billion.
Taiwan: Strong Manufacturing, but Too Much Dependence on Export Markets
Its export value declined from US$4.37 billion in 2024, while the volume fell about 4.1%. Average export pricing, however, edged upward to roughly US$3.53/kg. More important than the decline itself is Taiwan’s exposure to international demand. More than 90% of Taiwanese fastener production is exported. That is an extraordinary level of dependence. The United States alone accounted for approximately US$1.794 billion, or 42.7% of Taiwan’s 2025 fastener export value. For many years, that concentration worked in Taiwan’s favor. Taiwanese suppliers became deeply embedded in North American distribution networks and industrial supply chains. But concentration becomes dangerous when the market weakens. During the first half of 2026, Taiwan shipped approximately 252,275 tonnes of fasteners to the
United States, down 14.8% year on year. The US still represented about 44.6% of Taiwanese export tonnage. That gives Taiwan a different strategic problem from China. Taiwan does not lack technical manufacturing capability. Its weakness is that too much of that capability depends on external demand, particularly from a handful of mature markets. Domestic consumption is relatively modest by comparison. In Q1 2026, Taiwan’s fastener production value was approximately NT$34.97 billion, exports were NT$32.97 billion and imports NT$2.13 billion. Using a simple apparent-consumption calculation: NT$34.97bn + NT$2.13bn − NT$32.97bn = approximately NT$4.13bn The figure should be treated as an estimate rather than audited consumption, but the direction is unmistakable. Taiwan produces far more fasteners than it consumes domestically. That makes export diversification and higher-value products increasingly important.
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If China has the advantage of scale, Taiwan has built its reputation around the export capability. In 2025, Taiwanese fastener exports were worth approximately US$4.20 billion, with a volume of around 1.23 million tonnes.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS Japan: A Market Where Domestic Demand Matters More Than Export Volume Japan tells a very different story. Its fastener exports were approximately US$2.36 billion in 2025, broadly stable compared with the previous year. On the export value alone, Japan may appear less important than China or Taiwan. That would be misleading. Japan’s industrial-fastener market was estimated at approximately US$8.49 billion in 2025, reflecting the enormous domestic demand created by automotive manufacturing, industrial machinery, electronics and precision engineering. Unlike Taiwan, Japan is not overwhelmingly dependent on foreign customers. Its manufacturers operate inside a large domestic industrial ecosystem that consumes significant volumes of high-specification fastening products. There were, however, signs of weaker external demand toward the end of the first half of 2026. Japanese trade data showed June fastener exports of approximately 24,062 tonnes valued at ¥30.83 billion, with the export value down 21.7% year on year. One month does not define an entire market, but it does suggest that Japan entered the second half of 2026 under softer export conditions.
South Korea: Producer and Buyer at the Same Time South Korea sits somewhere between Japan and China. In 2025, South Korean HS 7318 exports were approximately US$986.9 million, while imports reached about US$662.7 million. That created a trade surplus of roughly US$324 million. At the same time, South Korea’s industrial-fastener market was estimated at around US$2.03 billion. This combination is important. Korea is clearly capable of producing and exporting technically competitive fasteners, but its automotive, shipbuilding, electronics and machinery sectors are sophisticated enough that the domestic production does not replace the need for imports.
India: The Biggest Opportunity May Be at Home
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India is becoming one of the most important fastener markets in Asia. In 2025, India imported approximately US$1.128 billion of HS 7318 products. At the same time, industry and ITC data indicate that Indian fastener exports reached roughly US$1.03 billion during the first half of 2025 alone, up around 17.1% year on year.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS The United States accounted for approximately US$320 million, while the UAE, Netherlands, South Korea and Germany were among the other major destinations. Those numbers already show a growing export sector. But India’s real significance lies in its domestic market. One industry estimate valued the Indian fastener market at approximately US$11.24 billion in 2025, with the growth toward US$16.95 billion forecast by 2034.
Southeast Asia: Manufacturing Is Moving Faster Than the Fastener Supply Base Southeast Asia is one of the most interesting parts of the Asian fastener market because it shows what happens when manufacturing relocates faster than the local supplier ecosystem develops.
Thailand
Vietnam
Thailand exported approximately US$663 million of HS 7318 products in 2025. It imported approximately US$1.231 billion. That leaves a fastener trade deficit of roughly US$568 million. For a country with such a substantial automotive and manufacturing base, that gap is significant. Thailand’s industrial-fastener market had also been estimated at around US$1.67 billion in 2025.
Vietnam is moving in a slightly different direction. Fastener exports reached approximately US$760 million during H1 2025, up 6.4% year on year. Germany was reported as one of its largest destinations at around US$140 million, followed by the United States at approximately US$110 million.
Malaysia and Indonesia Malaysia imported approximately US$673.7 million of HS 7318 products in 2025. Its electronics, electrical equipment, automotive and machinery sectors create steady demand, while local production does not fully replace the need for imports. Indonesia showed a similar pattern, importing approximately US$447.7 million of HS 7318 products in 2025. China alone supplied roughly US$172.8 million. For both countries, the industrial growth is creating opportunities for suppliers that can shorten lead times and provide stronger regional support.
Yet at the same time, China exported approximately US$679.4 million of HS 7318 products to Vietnam during full-year 2025. That combination tells us something important. Vietnam is becoming a fastener manufacturing and export platform, but it still depends heavily on imported upstream components and industrial supplies. A narrower industry estimate placed Vietnam’s domestic industrial-fastener market at around US$529 million in 2025. Vietnam should therefore be viewed as both a customer and a competitor.
West Asia: Demand Is Being Built Through Investment West Asia is often ignored in Asian fastener analysis, but that is increasingly difficult to justify. Saudi Arabia’s fastener market was estimated at approximately US$3.16 billion in 2025. Demand is being supported by infrastructure, industrial projects, oil and gas, construction and the broader Vision 2030 investment program. China alone exported approximately US$228.8 million of HS 7318 products to Saudi Arabia during 2025. But the market is changing. Saudi Arabia increasingly wants more local content. That means foreign fastener companies may eventually need to offer more than containers arriving at the port. Local distribution, finishing, warehousing, partnerships, joint ventures and eventually localized production are likely to become more important. The UAE presents a different opportunity. Its industrial-fastener market has been estimated at around US$1.1 billion, with imported products accounting for a large share of demand. China shipped approximately US$324.3 million of HS 7318 products to the UAE in 2025.
Central Asia: Small Markets, Large Trade Flows Central Asia is still a smaller fastener market, but some of the trade numbers are surprisingly large. China exported approximately US$150.2 million of HS 7318 fasteners to Kyrgyzstan in 2025 and about US$109 million to Kazakhstan. Those figures are considerable relative to the size of the economies involved. Not all of that volume necessarily represents final domestic consumption. Re-export and regional distribution are part of the picture. Still, the numbers show how rapidly Central Asia is becoming linked to Chinese industrial supply networks. For exporters, this is less a story of building large local manufacturing operations and more a story of controlling distribution channels.
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But much of the UAE’s importance comes from its role as a trading and re-export hub.
INDUSTRY FOCUS Conclusion: The Competitive Reality for Fastener Suppliers The standard fastener market is becoming harder. China still has enormous scale. India is increasing capacity. Vietnam and other ASEAN economies are expanding their manufacturing bases. For a producer selling standard bolts, screws or nuts without a strong cost, delivery or distribution advantage, the market is becoming increasingly unforgiving. But that does not mean the opportunity is disappearing. It is shifting.
China still imports specialized fasteners despite producing millions of tonnes domestically. Japan and South Korea remain attractive for high-specification applications. India offers growing opportunities inside the domestic market. Southeast Asia still has gaps between local industrial demand and local supply. The Persian Gulf continues to create demand through infrastructure, energy and industrial investment. The opportunity is no longer simply “Asia.” It is the mismatch between what a country needs and what its local fastener industry can reliably supply.
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References 1. General Administration of Customs of China / China Fastener Info, 2025 HS 7318 export statistics and destination data. 2. China fastener-industry reporting based on customs data, January-June 2026 export statistics. 3. Chinese fastener-industry market estimates for 2025 and H1 2026. 4. TAITRA / Taiwan Customs, Taiwan fastener export statistics, 2025. 5. Taiwan industry and customs statistics, H1 2026 exports to the US and Q1 2026 production/import/export figures. 6. Japan Ministry of Finance and Japanese metal-industry trade statistics, June 2026. 7. MarketsandMarkets, Japan Industrial Fasteners Market, 2025. 8. TradeInt, South Korea HS 7318 export/import data, 2025. 9. IMARC, South Korea Industrial Fasteners Market, 2025. 10. TradeInt and Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, India HS 7318 trade data. 11. IMARC, India Fasteners Market, 2025. 12. TradeInt and Grand View Research, Thailand HS 7318 trade and industrial-fastener market data. 13. Fastener World / ITC trade statistics for India, Vietnam, Japan and Türkiye. 14. IMARC, Vietnam Industrial Fasteners Market. 15. TradeInt, Malaysia and Indonesia HS 7318 trade statistics, 2025. 16. IMARC, Saudi Arabia Fasteners Market, 2025. 17. UAE industrial-fastener market studies and Chinese customs export data.
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EXHIBITION- INDIA
Fastener Fair India 2026-
Make-in-India and Infrastructure Boom Create New Opportunities for Fastener Suppliers 2026 印度大諾伊達緊固件展 印度製造與基建熱潮帶動需求 緊固件迎來新商機
Fastener Fair India 2026 was held from July 24–26 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. As India's leading exhibition dedicated to fastener and fixing technologies, the event showcased industrial fasteners, construction fixing systems, manufacturing equipment, tooling, surface treatment, inspection solutions, and hand tools. Bringing together buyers from the fastener, automotive, construction, heavy industry, and infrastructure sectors, the exhibition once again served as one of South Asia's key sourcing and networking platforms for the fastener industry. The three-day exhibition attracted strong visitor traffic throughout the event. Approximately 90% of visitors came from India, while the remainder represented the Middle East, China, Europe, and North America, indicating that the show continues to be primarily driven by domestic demand while gradually gaining greater international attention. Around 90% of exhibitors were Indian companies, with the remaining exhibitors coming from China, Taiwan, etc. Chinese exhibitors significantly outnumbered their counterparts. Roughly 80% of exhibitors were fastener manufacturers, while the rest represented wire, coating technologies, tooling, circlips, machinery, engineering software, and inspection equipment, reflecting the increasing maturity and specialization of India's fastener supply chain. We brought 3 Taiwanese fastener firms including Ray Fu Enterprise, Homn Reen Enterprise, and Sheng Qian to exhibit at this show. On the demand side, buyers were mainly seeking self-drilling screws, drywall screws, machine screws, anchor nuts, and other construction and industrial fasteners. Some visitors also expressed interest in caulking guns and related construction tools. The demand closely mirrors India's ongoing investment in infrastructure and manufacturing. Extensive roadworks,
residential and commercial construction projects, together with the large number of aging buildings and vehicles observed throughout the city, suggest continued long-term demand for construction fasteners as well as automotive fastening solutions.
As India continues to advance its "Make in India" initiative and expand infrastructure investment, demand for fasteners is expected to maintain steady growth. For companies looking to expand into South Asia, Fastener Fair India has become an important platform for identifying market trends, strengthening supply chain partnerships, and exploring new business opportunities. The organizer has announced that the next edition will be held in Mumbai on 22–24 April, 2027.
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Ray Fu
Homn Reen
Sheng Qian Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Dean Tseng
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The Americas Fastener Market in 2025–H1 2026
2025-2026 上半年 美洲緊固件市場觀察 U.S. imports contracted sharply in 2025, Canada became more import-dependent, Mexico retained one of the deepest fastener trade deficits in the hemisphere, and Brazil remained the anchor of South American demand. By the first half of 2026, tariffs and sourcing shifts were changing where fasteners came from more rapidly than they were changing the underlying need for them. The Americas entered 2025 as anything but a unified fastener market. The United States combined a large domestic manufacturing base with heav y imports and substantial exports. Canada was deeply integrated into the U.S. industrial system but structurally dependent on imported fasteners. Mexico had developed into a manufacturing powerhouse while remaining a surprisingly large net importer of fastening products. Farther south, Brazil supported a significant domestic industry but still bought far more fasteners from abroad than it sold overseas, while most of Central and South America remained overwhelmingly import-dependent. That distinction became even more important through the first half of 2026. Trade policy changed quickly, especially in North America. The U.S. raised tarif fs on steel and aluminium products and derivatives from 25% to 50% in June 2025 and subsequently modified the regime again in April and June 2026. Canada, meanwhile, imposed a 25% tariff on a broad group of steel derivative products from December 26, 2025, explicitly covering every major HS 7318 fastener subheading. The result has not been a straightforward contraction in fastener consumption. It has been a restructuring of procurement.
United States: Imports Fall, but the Market Does Not Disappear
The clearest change in the Americas occurred in the United States. U.S. HS 7318 imports fell from US$6.617 billion in 2024 to US$6.038 billion in 2025, a decline of approximately 8.8%. Exports moved far less, slipping from US$5.682 billion to US$5.628 billion, or just under 1%. The resulting 2025 fastener trade deficit was therefore only about US$410 million.
This is an important structural difference between the United States and most other markets in the hemisphere. America is a major importer, but it is simultaneously a very large fastener producer and exporter.
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Asia still dominated the supply side. Taiwan supplied US$1.928 billion of U.S. HS 7318 imports in 2025 and China another US$1.042 billion. Together they represented approximately 49% of U.S. import value. Japan followed with US$574 million. Yet the direction of travel changed. Imports from Taiwan fell from US$2.171 billion in 2024 to US$1.928 billion in 2025, while China declined from US$1.187 billion to US$1.042 billion. Germany fell from US$386 million to US$322 million. In contrast, India increased from US$237 million to US$270 million, roughly 14%, and Italy from US$258 million to US$281 million, about 9%. That looks less like simple demand destruction
and more like procurement rebalancing.
The export side reinforces the point. Mexico remained the leading destination for U.S. fasteners at US$1.858 billion, followed by Canada at US$1.275 billion. Together, the two USMCA partners absorbed almost 56% of all U.S. HS 7318 exports in 2025. Meanwhile, exports to Brazil rose from US$131 million to US$157 million, France from US$135 million to US$175 million, and the UK from US$186 million to US$216 million. Thus, even while U.S. imports were contracting, American fastener manufacturers were widening their exposure to markets beyond their two traditional North American customers.
H1 2026: A Changed Import Mix, Not an Empty Market
For HS 731815, the largest threaded screw-and-bolt grouping, U.S. imports reached approximately US$1.2 billion during January– June 2026. June alone recorded US$214.5 million of imports and US$230.7 million of exports, producing a small monthly surplus in this particular subheading. Taiwan supplied US$41.7 million in June, China US$36.4 million and Japan US$23.0 million. By contrast, U.S.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS exports of these products to Mexico reached US$88.2 million and to Canada US$52.6 million in the month. In June, self-tapping screws under HS 731814 added another US$73.6 million of imports, of which Taiwan alone supplied US$57.6 million, while nuts under HS 731816 accounted for US$102.4 million. Those three categories therefore generated at least US$390.5 million of U.S. fastener imports in June 2026 alone, without counting the remaining HS 7318 subheadings. The numbers do not support the idea that imported fasteners were being engineered out of the U.S. market. They show that the source mix and economics of importing were changing. The demand side remains substantial. MarketsandMarkets valued the U.S. industrial-fastener market at approximately US$16.34 billion in 2025, while Grand View Research use d a broa der met hodolog y a nd estimated US$18.24 billion. Grand View expects the figure to reach approximately US$18.77 billion in 2026. The difference between these estimates itself illustrates why market revenue should be treated as a consumption proxy rather than an official customs statistic. The central conclusion, however, is consistent: U.S. fastener demand remained many times larger than the net value of its fastener trade deficit.
Canada: Stable Imports, Weaker Exports and Rising Import Dependence
Canada followed a different path. Its HS 7318 imports increased modestly from approximately US$1.936 billion in 2024 to US$1.981 billion in 2025, a rise of about 2.3%. Exports, however, fell sharply from roughly US$652 million to US$566 million, a decline of more than 13%. Canada therefore ran an estimated HS 7318 trade deficit of approximately US$1.415 billion in 2025, with imports running around 3.5 times exports. The U.S. remained Canada's most important supplier, but its position weakened. Canadian purchases from the United States fell from about US$910 million in 2024 to US$883 million in 2025. China moved in the opposite direction, rising from US$282 million to US$322 million, while imports from Italy increased to US$50 million and India to approximately US$37 million. Canada's export weakness was even more concentrated. Shipments to the United States dropped from roughly US$528 million to US$438 million. Exports to Mexico also declined, from US$25.8 million to US$19.1 million. Growth in Germany, Singapore, Poland, Australia and Türkiye was insufficient to offset the loss in Canada's dominant U.S. market. This makes Canada arguably the most visibly import-dependent of the three large North American economies.
Its domestic industrial-fastener market was estimated at US$1.688 billion in 2025, with MarketsandMarkets forecasting a 2.76% CAGR through 2030. But Canadian import economics changed materially at the end of the year. Effective December 26, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on the full value of specified steel derivative products. The official list explicitly includes HS 7318.11, 7318.12, 7318.13, 7318.14, 7318.15, 7318.16, 7318.19 and the major non-threaded HS 7318 categories. H1 2026 was therefore the first period in which Canadian fastener buyers operated for a full six months under a substantially altered trade-cost environment. For suppliers, the implication is significant. Canada's market did not suddenly become self-sufficient;
Mexico: A Manufacturing Powerhouse That Still Imports Fasteners on a Massive Scale
Mexico is perhaps the most interesting contradiction in the Americas. It is one of the world's most important manufacturing platforms for vehicles, appliances, electronics, aerospace components and industrial equipment. Yet it is also an enormous net importer of fasteners.
Data México recorded US$2.88 billion of HS 7318 purchases and only US$317 million of sales in 2024. A commercial customs-data compilation subsequently reports Mexican HS 7318 imports of approximately US$3.186 billion in 2025. Because the latter comes from a different trade-data system, the apparent increase should be treated directionally rather than as a perfectly harmonized year-on-year comparison.
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instead, imported supply became more expensive and sourcing decisions more politically and commercially complex.
INDUSTRY FOCUS The Inter-American Development Bank-based dataset provides another useful checkpoint. In just January–March 2025, Mexico imported US$687.5 million of HS 7318 products while exporting US$72.9 million. Mexico alone represented the largest share of fastener trade among the 15 Latin American economies covered in the study. By June 2026 the imbalance remained striking. Official Data México figures show US$275 million of HS 7318 international purchases in June 2026 against only US$28.8 million of international sales, creating a monthly trade deficit of approximately US$246 million. Imports were therefore roughly 9.5 times exports. Secondquarter exports totaled US$82.8 million, led by Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Nuevo León. This is not evidence of a weak Mexican industrial economy. It demonstrates the opposite. Mexico's factories consume fasteners at a scale that domestic fastener manufacturing does not fully satisfy. Moreover, large amounts of imported fasteners are embedded into automobiles, machinery, electronics and other finished products that are subsequently exported. Looking only at direct HS 7318 exports therefore understates the importance of fasteners to Mexico's export economy. The country's industrial-fastener market was estimated at approximately US$3.14 billion in 2025, with projected CAGR of 3.34% through 2030. For international fastener producers, Mexico
consequently plays two roles at once: it is an end market and a manufacturing gateway into North American supply chains.
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That dual role is likely to become even more important as U.S. tariffs increase incentives to reconsider how Asian and European products enter North American manufacturing networks.
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Brazil: South America's Anchor Market Remains Structurally Import-Heavy
Bra zil is t he on ly Sout h A mer ica n economy wit h enough scale to alter the regional fastener picture materially. ComexStat-based data show that Brazil imported 207,693 tonnes of HS 7318 products worth US$966.8 million during January–October 2025. Over the same ten months, exports were only 19,681 tonnes worth US$133.9 million. Imports therefore exceeded exports by roughly 7.2 to 1 by value, producing a net import position of approximately US$833 million before the final two months of the year.
China was Brazil's largest supplier, accounting for US$267 million of import value during January–October, followed by Italy at US$83.5 million, Japan at US$77.7 million, the United States at US$154.7 million and Germany at US$81.9 million. China was even more dominant by physical volume, accounting for roughly 65% according to the source analysis. Brazil's exports were mainly regional. Argentina bought US$32.4 million during the ten-month period, Paraguay US$12.9 million and Uruguay US$3.7 million, while the United States purchased US$29.4 million. This creates a fundamentally different market structure from the United States. Brazil possesses domestic manufacturing capability and some export strength, particularly within Mercosur, but imports still supply a large part of industrial demand.
INDUSTRY FOCUS MarketsandMarkets estimated Brazil's 2025 industrial-fastener market at approximately US$2.091 billion, about 65% of South America's US$3.237 billion market under the same methodology. Argentina added approximately US$620 million and the rest of South America about US$525 million. Brazil therefore remains the obvious first market for any supplier treating South America strategically rather
than opportunistically.
The regional data reveal an important pattern beyond Brazil. In the first three to four months of 2025, Argentina imported approximately US$79.0 million of HS 7318 products, Chile US$68.8 million, Peru US$42.1 million and Colombia US$34.1 million. Their exports were only fractions of those amounts.
The broader 15-country Latin American dataset is even more revealing. Those economies imported at least US$4.86 billion of HS 7318 fasteners in 2024 while exporting only about US$477.5 million. During the available first three to four months of 2025, the same group had already imported approximately US$1.34 billion, against only about US$133 million of exports. In both periods, imports were around ten times exports. That tento-one relationship is one of the most important statistics in the Americas fastener business. It means the commercial opportunity in Latin America is not primarily about defeating a large regional export industry. In many
markets it is about competing against other foreign suppliers for demand that structurally cannot be met by local production.
Central America and the Caribbean: Small Individually, Import-Dependent Collectively
Central American fastener markets are far smaller than Mexico or Brazil, but the same trade pattern becomes even more pronounced. During January–March 2025, Honduras imported approximately US$5.08 million of HS 7318 products while exporting only about US$75,000. El Salvador imported US$4.93 million and exported roughly US$571,000. Guatemala imported US$3.26 million in January alone versus exports of only US$96,000. Costa Rica also remained a clear net importer. Individual market size is limited, so treating every Central American country as a standalone strategic market can be inefficient. Their relevance increases when approached
through regional distributors, construction groups, industrial suppliers and manufacturing clusters.
Reference Base 1. Data México / Secretaría de Economía, HS 7318 trade profile. Mexico June 2026 purchases, sales and Q2 export values. 2. U.S. White House presidential proclamations, June 2025, April 2026 and June 2026. Section 232 steel, aluminum and derivativeproduct tariff changes. 3. Department of Finance Canada, List of Steel Derivative Products Subject to 25% Tariffs Effective December 26, 2025. 4. MarketsandMarkets, U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and South America Industrial Fasteners Market reports, 2026 editions. 5. Grand View Research and Mordor Intelligence, 2025–2026 North American and Latin American industrial-fastener market estimates.
Copyright owned by Fastener World Article by Behrooz Lotfian
China Fastener World no.78/2026
The Rest of South America: Smaller Markets, but Heavy Import Dependence
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Fastener Trade Statistics of
USA/Canada/Japan/ Taiwan/Brazil in Jan-Jul 2026 2026年一至七月美加日台巴 緊固件進出口統計
USA
(in million USD), in descending order according to figures of 2026 HS 7318 Iron and steel screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc. Source: U.S. ITA of Department of Commerce
Import Rank
Partner
China Fastener World no.78/2026
World
Export
Jan-Jul 2025 Jan-Jul 2026 Change (%)
Partner World
Jan-Jul 2025 Jan-Jul 2026 Change (%)
3,705
3,307
-10.75%
3,377
3,540
4.83%
1
Taiwan
1,197
1,019
-14.84%
1
Mexico
1,122
1,111
-0.92%
2
China
648
533
-17.71%
2
Canada
795
745
-6.28%
3
Japan
347
319
-8.09%
3
China
152
175
14.76%
4
Germany
186
193
3.70%
4
U.K.
125
148
17.62%
5
Canada
202
176
-13.10%
5
Germany
100
140
39.91%
6
Italy
168
172
2.32%
6
France
110
97
-12.25%
7
India
166
164
-1.38%
7
Japan
80
94
17.50%
8
S. Korea
175
150
-14.22%
8
Brazil
90
91
1.11%
9
Mexico
115
88
-23.63%
9
S. Korea
70
76
8.13%
10
France
68
73
7.32%
10
Singapore
53
68
27.41%
From January through July 2026, the total value of U.S. fastener imports was US$3.307 billion, down 10.75% from US$3.705 billion during the same period in 2025, indicating a significant weakening in U.S. demand for fasteners. Among these, Taiwan remained the largest source of imports, but the value fell from US$1.197 billion to US$1.019 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 14.84%; China also saw a 17.71% decline, indicating that major Asian suppliers are generally facing significant pressure. Imports from Japan decreased by 8.09%, while those from Canada fell by 13.10%. In contrast, Germany, Italy, and France saw growth of 3.70%, 2.32%, and 7.32%, respectively, indicating that European suppliers were relatively resilient. Overall, U.S. fastener imports for the first seven months of 2026 showed a widespread decline, with the two major supply sources—Taiwan and China—both experiencing declines greater than the global average. It is worth monitoring future trends in U.S. market demand and supply chain adjustments.
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Rank
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From January through July 2026, total U.S. fastener exports reached US$3.54 billion, a 4.83% increase from the US$3.377 billion recorded during the same period in 2025, standing in stark contrast to the decline in imports. Among the major export markets, Mexico remained the top destination, though the export value fell slightly by 0.92% from US$1.122 billion; while Canada saw a 6.28% decline, indicating relatively weak demand in North America’s two largest markets. On the other hand, exports to China, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Singapore grew by 14.76%, 17.62%, 39.91%, 17.50%, and 27.41%, respectively, with Germany showing the most notable increase, reflecting stronger export momentum for U.S. fasteners to certain European and Asian markets. Overall, U.S. fastener exports maintained positive growth through the first seven months of 2026, driven primarily by expansion in non-North American markets. Export performance significantly outpaced imports, indicating that the U.S. fastener industry’s overseas sales demonstrate relatively strong resilience.
INDUSTRY FOCUS (in USD), in descending order according to figures of 2026 Canada HS 7318 Iron and steel screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc. Source: Canada.ca
Import
Export
Rank Partner
Jan-Jul 2025
Jan-Jul 2026 Change (%)
World
Rank
1,194,458,355
1,182,109,622
-1.03
1
USA
532,075,551
538,669,690
1
1
2
China
196,453,213
186,370,203
-5
2
Partner World
Jan-Jul 2025 Jan-Jul 2026 Change (%) 342,890,391
340,262,382
-0.77
USA
268,670,895
249,593,079
-7
Germany
14,974,220
16,034,981
7
3
Taiwan
166,739,217
150,574,890
-10
3
Mexico
12,219,040
11,837,176
-3
4
Japan
47,039,167
42,100,762
-11
4
China
3,178,504
7,726,884
143
5
Germany
33,624,568
36,916,121
10
5
U.K.
6,710,976
7,582,329
13
6
Italy
29,891,971
34,429,244
15
6
Singapore
3,425,875
3,697,911
8
7
India
21,634,590
21,381,682
-1
7
Poland
3,178,767
3,651,429
15
8
France
19,839,111
20,743,477
5
8
Italy
638,135
3,386,121
431
9
Vietnam
24,395,713
17,376,646
-29
9
Australia
2,109,825
3,319,829
57
10
U.K.
12,868,970
14,900,344
16
10
France
3,672,409
2,957,567
-19
From January through July 2026, Canada’s fastener imports totaled US$1.182 billion, a slight 1% decrease from the US$1.194 billion recorded during the same period in 2025; the overall market remained largely stable. The United States remained the largest source of supply, with imports totaling US$539 million—a 1% year-over-year increase—accounting for nearly 46% of Canada’s total imports. Imports from China fell by 5%, Taiwan by 10%, and Japan by 11%, indicating that major Asian suppliers faced significant pressure overall. Among these, imports from Taiwan decreased by approximately US$16.16 million, representing one of the more pronounced declines among major source countries. In contrast, Germany, Italy, France, and the UK saw growth of 10%, 15%, 5%, and 16%, respectively, with European suppliers performing relatively strongly; Vietnam, however, experienced a sharp decline of 29%. Overall, while demand for fastener imports in Canada has not shown a significant contraction, the supply structure is undergoing an adjustment, with U.S. and European suppliers outperforming major Asian sources in the market.
From January through July 2026, Canada’s fastener exports totaled US$340 million, a slight 0.8% decrease from the US$343 million recorded during the same period in 2025. Overall export performance mirrored that of the import market, remaining relatively stable. The United States remained Canada’s largest export market, with exports totaling US$250 million, accounting for approximately 73% of total exports; however, this represented a 7% year-over-year decline, becoming the primary factor dragging down overall exports. On the other hand, Canadian exports to Germany grew by 7%, to the UK by 13%, to Singapore by 8%, and to Poland by 15%, while exports to China surged by 143%. Exports to Italy and Australia also skyrocketed by 431% and 57%, respectively, indicating a marked strengthening of export momentum in nonNorth American markets. It is worth noting that Canadian exports are highly dependent on the U.S. market; therefore, even with rapid growth in other markets, it remains difficult to fully offset the decline in exports to the United States. Overall, while the total value of Canadian fastener exports for the first seven months of 2026 declined slightly, the trend toward market diversification has become more pronounced.
in descending order according to weights of 2026
Taiwan HS 7318 Iron and steel screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc. Source: Bureau of Foreign Trade (Taiwan) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Partner World China Japan Vietnam Germany Philippines Malaysia S. Korea Thailand USA Switzerland
Jan-Jul 2025 (KG) Jan-Jul 2026 (KG) Change(%) Jan-Jul 2025 (USD) Jan-Jul 2026 (USD) Change(%) 11,338,969 12,528,080 10.49% 138,043,977 155,833,044 12.89% 4,673,550 6,763,733 44.72% 17,128,080 24,378,435 42.33% 2,731,570 2,515,870 -7.90% 29,502,400 31,286,979 6.05% 716,290 674,280 -5.87% 9,022,169 7,215,715 -20.02% 480,066 467,232 -2.67% 10,277,826 9,912,283 -3.56% 325,436 267,551 -17.79% 1,145,583 924,050 -19.34% 214,834 222,458 3.55% 4,155,908 6,888,873 65.76% 642,436 221,830 -65.47% 9,222,532 5,091,507 -44.79% 153,533 176,745 15.12% 1,300,973 3,276,994 151.89% 146,700 134,836 -8.09% 29,290,692 36,316,070 23.99% 56,623 121,944 115.36% 2,458,223 4,039,612 64.33% 惠達雜誌
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China Fastener World no.78/2026
Import
INDUSTRY FOCUS From January through July 2026, Taiwan’s imports of fasteners reached 12,500 metric tons, an increase of 10.49% compared to the same period in 2025; the value of imports reached US$156 million, a 12.89% increase. This indicates that overall import demand is expanding, and the growth in value outpaced that in volume, reflecting a slight increase in the average unit price of imported products. China remained the largest source, with import volume surging by 44.72% and import value rising by 42.33%—the most significant growth. Imports from Japan saw a 7.90% decline in volume but a 6.05% increase in value, suggesting an improvement in unit prices or product mix. Imports from the United States decreased by 8.09% in volume but increased by 23.99% in value, also reflecting a trend toward higher-value products. On the other hand, imports from South Korea fell sharply by 65.47% in volume and 44.79% in value, while imports from Vietnam, Germany, and the Philippines also declined. Malaysia and Thailand, however, saw significant increases in value of 65.76% and 151.89%, respectively. Overall, Taiwan’s fastener imports showed growth in both volume and value, and the source structure has shifted noticeably toward China and certain Southeast Asian markets.
Export Rank
Partner
Jan-Jul 2025 (KG) Jan-Jul 2026 (KG) Change(%) Jan-Jul 2025 (USD) Jan-Jul 2026 (USD) Change(%) 726,367,648
646,812,495
-10.95%
2,506,265,025
2,359,494,010
-5.86%
1
World USA
325,867,100
280,008,312
-14.07%
1,089,833,959
978,452,680
-10.22%
2
Germany
68,631,042
56,396,898
-17.83%
214,942,904
200,929,789
-6.52%
3
Netherlands
41,423,986
36,351,068
-12.25%
138,797,661
123,303,045
-11.16%
4
Japan
31,662,715
30,494,972
-3.69%
118,159,736
117,740,036
-0.36%
5
Canada
28,857,611
28,910,035
0.18%
100,990,599
106,298,393
5.26%
6
Mexico
17,835,853
18,025,849
1.07%
76,297,380
79,348,782
4.00%
7
Spain
17,751,779
17,994,401
1.37%
45,572,774
47,433,590
4.08%
8
U.K.
19,987,114
16,255,851
-18.67%
80,421,906
69,446,857
-13.65%
9
Italy
15,923,547
15,572,839
-2.20%
46,127,247
45,957,128
-0.37%
10
Poland
17,732,817
15,281,423
-13.82%
46,727,294
43,239,449
-7.46%
From January through July 2026, Taiwan’s fastener exports totaled 646,800 metric tons, down 10.95% from the same period in 2025, while the export value fell to US$2.359 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 5.86%. Notably, the decline in value was smaller than the decline in volume, indicating that the average unit price of overall exports has increased, suggesting that the product mix may be shifting toward higher value-added products. The United States remained the largest export market, but export volume and value fell by 14.07% and 10.22%, respectively, posing a major drag on overall exports; Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK also experienced double-digit declines. In contrast, export value to Canada, Mexico, and Spain grew by 5.26%, 4.00%, and 4.08%, respectively, making them among the few growing markets; exports to Japan remained largely flat. Overall, Taiwan’s fastener exports for the first seven months of 2026 showed a decline in both volume and value, but the drop in value was significantly smaller than that in volume, indicating that high-value products are underpinning export performance. However, weakening demand in major markets such as the United States and Europe remains a risk that warrants continued attention.
JPY) in descending order according to weights of 2026 Japan (in Japan P.C. Code 61703 Nails, bolts, nuts, etc. Source: Ministry of Finance, Japan
Import Rank
Partner
China Fastener World no.78/2026
World
116
Metric Tons
1,000 Yens
Jan-Jul 2025
Jan-Jul 2026
Change(%)
Jan-Jul 2025
Jan-Jul 2026
Change(%)
177,897
173,761
-2.32%
92,454,227
103,176,372
11.60%
1
China
123,863
121,360
-2.02%
36,551,886
39,588,341
8.31%
2
Taiwan
32,907
31,833
-3.26%
19,975,346
21,023,819
5.25%
3
Vietnam
9,017
7,793
-13.57%
3,407,352
3,219,698
-5.51%
4
S. Korea
5,119
5,810
13.50%
3,165,283
3,498,535
10.53%
5
Thailand
2,523
2,535
0.48%
2,783,610
3,441,451
23.63%
6
Malaysia
906
690
-23.84%
588,130
510,534
-13.19%
7
Germany
542
687
26.75%
2,366,251
2,900,875
22.59%
8
India
433
550
27.02%
349,169
497,468
42.47%
9
USA
445
492
10.56%
16,732,753
20,436,362
22.13%
10
Italy
336
326
-2.98%
1,032,837
1,240,845
20.14%
惠達雜誌
INDUSTRY FOCUS From January through July 2026, Japan’s total imports of fasteners amounted to 173,800 metric tons, a 2.32% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. However, the value of imports reached 103.176 billion yen, an 11.60% increase, reflecting a clear trend of “declining volume but rising value.” This indicates that the average unit price of imported products and the proportion of high-value-added products have increased. China remained the largest source of supply, with import volume declining slightly by 2.02% while the value increased by 8.31%; imports from Taiwan saw a 3.26% decline in volume but a 5.25% increase in value, demonstrating relatively stable performance. Imports from Vietnam fell by 13.57% in volume and 5.51% in value, while South Korea, Germany, India, and the United States all showed growth, with India’s import value surging by 42.47%. It is worth noting that although the United States accounted for only about 0.3% of the import volume, its share of the total import value exceeded 19%, reflecting the significantly higher unit prices of the products it supplied. Overall, fastener demand in Japan contracted slightly, but the value of imports continued to rise.
Export Rank
Metric Tons
Partner World
1,000 Yens
Jan-Jul 2025
Jan-Jul 2026
Change(%)
Jan-Jul 2025
Jan-Jul 2026
Change(%)
166,757
164,087
-1.60%
201,204,887
210,901,693
4.82%
1
USA
50,692
51,931
2.44%
56,601,181
58,615,829
3.56%
2
China
25,991
21,996
-15.37%
32,659,669
30,299,540
-7.23%
3
Thailand
19,320
20,963
8.50%
22,547,088
25,192,553
11.73%
4
Indonesia
10,462
11,644
11.30%
11,455,545
12,862,646
12.28%
5
India
10,380
11,430
10.12%
11,813,714
13,642,824
15.48%
6
Mexico
9,977
9,316
-6.63%
11,184,798
11,109,339
-0.67%
7
Brazil
6,640
5,753
-13.36%
7,157,149
6,782,608
-5.23%
8
Malaysia
4,001
3,812
-4.72%
3,889,836
3,841,631
-1.24%
9
U.K.
2,676
2,714
1.42%
2,926,943
3,213,975
9.81%
10
Turkey
2,675
2,422
-9.46%
2,736,933
2,589,428
-5.39%
From January through July 2026, Japan’s total fastener exports amounted to 164,087 metric tons, a 1.60% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. However, the export value reached 210,902 million yen, a year-over-year increase of 4.82%, again reflecting the trend of “declining volume but rising value,” which indicates that the average value of Japan’s fastener exports has increased. The United States remained the largest export market, with export volume growing by 2.44% and export value increasing by 3.56%, maintaining steady growth; Thailand, Indonesia, and India stood out, with export values rising by 11.73%, 12.28%, and 15.48%, respectively, indicating that demand in Asian markets remains strong. In contrast, exports to China fell sharply by 15.37% in volume and 7.23% in value, while exports to Brazil also declined by 5.23%, making them the primary markets experiencing contraction. It is worth noting that while the overall decline in export volume was smaller than that of imports, export value still grew by 4.82%, indicating that Japan’s fastener industry is supported by a certain degree of pricing power and product mix. Overall, Japan’s exports remained robust, and the market focus is gradually shifting from China to growth markets such as Southeast Asia and India.
(in USD), in descending order according to weight of 2026 Brazil HS 7318 Iron and steel screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc. Source: http://comexstat.mdic.gov.br/en/geral
Import Partner World 1
China
Jan-Jul 2025 (KG) Jan-Jul 2026 (KG)
Change(%)
Jan-Jul 2025 (USD) Jan-Jul 2026 (USD) Change(%)
145,252,346
149,906,065
3.20%
665,624,288
668,607,338
0.45%
93,585,851
102,956,218
10.01%
188,615,636
196,298,173
4.07%
2
Italy
8,517,328
7,868,163
-7.62%
58,532,382
57,457,460
-1.84%
3
Japan
6,908,504
6,157,073
-10.88%
53,199,924
46,876,384
-11.89%
4
USA
4,666,198
4,289,217
-8.08%
105,043,026
110,290,845
5.00%
5
S. Korea
3,510,565
4,208,149
19.87%
17,374,629
19,905,570
14.57%
6
Germany
4,600,286
4,095,420
-10.97%
56,973,093
53,478,656
-6.13%
7
Taiwan
4,495,068
3,665,645
-18.45%
23,756,866
19,159,983
-19.35%
8
India
2,758,021
2,448,333
-11.23%
15,056,256
14,923,420
-0.88%
9
France
2,360,869
2,219,565
-5.99%
34,166,475
34,526,449
1.05%
10
Thailand
1,747,160
1,608,829
-7.92%
9,695,743
10,689,106
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Rank
10.25% 惠達雜誌
117
INDUSTRY FOCUS From January through July 2026, Brazil’s fastener imports reached 149,906 metric tons, a 3.20% increase compared to the same period in 2025; however, the value of imports rose by only 0.45% to US$669 million, reflecting a pattern of “volume up, value flat,” which indicates a slight decline in the average import unit price. China remained the largest source of supply, with import volume and value growing by 10.01% and 4.07%, respectively, and its market share continuing to rise. Imports from the United States fell by 8.08% in volume but increased by 5% in value, indicating a rise in unit prices. South Korea performed notably well, with import volume up 19.87% and value up 14.57%. In contrast, Japan, Germany, and Taiwan all saw significant declines, with Taiwan experiencing the sharpest drops: import volume and value fell by 18.45% and 19.35%, respectively. Overall, demand for fasteners in Brazil continues to grow, but supply sources are clearly concentrating on China and South Korea, while major Asian suppliers such as Taiwan and Japan are facing significant pressure.
Import Rank
Partner
Jan-Jul 2025 (KG) Jan-Jul 2026 (KG) Change(%) Jan-Jul 2025 (USD) Jan-Jul 2026 (USD) Change(%)
World
13,693,547
13,213,056
-3.51%
91,552,333
94,803,201
3.55%
1
Argentina
4,864,285
4,261,945
-12.38%
22,629,155
17,262,735
-23.71%
2
Paraguay
2,876,227
2,888,155
0.41%
8,628,317
8,824,245
2.27%
3
USA
2,041,595
2,113,112
3.50%
19,204,152
22,121,344
15.19%
4
Uruguay
764,210
669,469
-12.40%
2,501,268
2,231,165
-10.80%
5
Germany
376,129
446,984
18.84%
3,839,887
4,418,514
15.07%
6
Bolivia
290,939
398,047
36.81%
1,278,599
1,651,460
29.16%
7
Mexico
292,643
324,209
10.79%
3,131,943
3,589,329
14.60%
8
Colombia
161,884
270,692
67.21%
2,490,134
3,541,245
42.21%
9
France
289,869
254,744
-12.12%
9,187,837
6,935,345
-24.52%
10
Netherlands
147,377
225,195
52.80%
688,388
1,127,830
63.84%
From January through July 2026, Brazil’s fastener exports totaled 13,213 metric tons, down 3.51% from the same period in 2025; however, the export value reached US$94.8 million, an increase of 3.55%. This “decline in volume but increase in value” trend indicates that the average unit price and added value of exported products have risen. Argentina remained the largest export market, but export volume and value fell sharply by 12.38% and 23.71%, respectively, becoming the main drag on overall exports; the United States, on the other hand, performed strongly, with export volume increasing by 3.50% and value growing by 15.19%. In addition, export value to Germany, Bolivia, Mexico, and Colombia grew by 15.07%, 29.16%, 14.60%, and 42.21%, respectively, with Colombia showing the most notable increase. Overall, although Brazil’s fastener export volume declined, export value continued to grow, driven by high-value markets, and the market is gradually expanding from traditional markets such as Argentina to the United States and other Latin American markets.
Conclusions
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Looking at the fastener trade performance of the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil from January through July 2026, there was a marked divergence across these markets. U.S. imports in value fell by 10.75%, but exports grew by 4.83%; Canada’s imports and exports remained largely flat. Japan experienced a “decline in volume but increase in value,” reflecting continued strong demand for high-value products; Taiwan’s export volume and value fell by 10.95% and 5.86%, respectively, primarily due to weakness in the U.S. and European markets, but imports saw growth in both volume and value. Brazil’s import volume grew by 3.20%, and export value increased by 3.55%, demonstrating resilience in both domestic demand and exports. Overall, during the first seven months of 2026, the global fastener market was affected by slowing demand and market structural adjustments, but high-value-added products remained supported. Meanwhile, China’s share of the import market in Canada, Brazil, and Taiwan increased, while growth opportunities still exist in the U.S., Europe, and certain emerging markets in Asia. Market diversification and the shift toward high-value products will become key trends for suppliers moving forward. Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief
118
惠達雜誌
TECHNOLOGY
A Study on Heat Treatment Processes for Cold-Heading Steel 冷鐓鋼熱處理工藝探討
Copyright owned by Fastener World / Article by Hsien-Ming Chang
1. Foreword To achieve a 90% tempered sorbite or 90% tempered troostite microstructure with good overall mechanical properties through heat treatment (normalizing) of high-strength bolts, the material used must have sufficient hardenability to ensure that the core of the fastener’s threaded cross-section is in a “hardened state” and approximately 90% martensitic structure in the threaded cross-section of the fastener prior to tempering. Therefore, cold-heading steel wire must possess high performance characteristics. Hardenability refers to the maximum hardness achieved by steel after quenching; it primarily depends on the carbon content of the steel. Hardenability is one of the key process properties of steel, directly affecting the mechanical properties and service life of cold-heading steel. The hardenability of steel refers to its ability to develop a martensitic microstructure under specific cooling conditions following an austenitic transformation. The degree of hardenability can be demonstrated by the hardness distribution in the hardenability layer formed during the austenitization process of the steel under specified conditions. For example, the primary role of boron (B) in steel is to increase its hardenability, thereby reducing the need for other relatively scarce and expensive metals such as Ni, Cr, and Mo. A trace amount of boron (0.0008%) can significantly improve the steel’s hardenability, but an excess of boron (0.005%) offers no further benefit. This effect is highly sensitive to the austenitizing temperature; temperatures that are too high or too low cannot effectively improve the steel’s hardenability.
2. Experiments on Heat Treatment Processes for Cold-Heading Steel Taking the boron-containing cold-heading steels 10B21 and ML20MnTiB as examples, this study investigates the effect of different austenitizing temperatures on hardenability. For the process tests on both 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steels, a PAG aqueous solution quenching medium was used. Using a thermal expansion phase transformation analyzer, the CCT curves of the materials were determined to clarify the effect of cooling rates on microstructural transformation. The tests utilized φ24 mm diameter wire rods of 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steel; their measured chemical compositions are shown in Table 1. Based on the chemical composition of the steels, the CCT curves for both steels were calculated using JMatPro (see Figure 1), revealing that the
惠達雜誌
119
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Generally, Grade 8.8 applications use 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steels, while Grade 10.9 applications use ML40Cr and ML35CrMo steels, among other materials. Both 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steels are low-carbon cold-heading steels; ML40Cr and ML35CrMo are both mediumcarbon cold-heading steels. During quenching, the former is generally quenched in a PAG aqueous solution, which has a relatively fast cooling rate, while the latter is typically quenched in rapid-quenching oil, which has a slower cooling rate. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the properties of both materials to determine which is more in line with industry trends.
TECHNOLOGY
critical points Ac3 for 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steels were 846°C and 813°C, respectively. Next, a Vickers microhardness Ac�=���.�℃ F tester was used to measure the microhardness of the materials. During the testing process, the tester’s load was consistently maintained at 980 N to maximize Ac�=���.�℃ P the accuracy of the comparisons and ensure more meaningful practical results. A B ▼ Table 1. Chemical Composition of 10B21 and ML20MnTiB Steels (Mass Fraction, %)
Steel Grade 10B21 ML20MnTiB
C 0.215 0.205
Si 0.14 0.23
Mn 0.78 1.49
P 0.015 0.012
Ms=���.�℃ S
0.004 Mf=���.�℃ 0.001
Ala 0.031 0.028
Ti 0.036 0.057
B 0.0020 0.0027
▼ Figure 1. CCT Curves for 10B21 and ML20MnTiB Steels
Ac�=���.�℃
F P
Ac�=���.�℃
A
Ac�=���.�℃
B Ms=���.�℃
Ac�=���.�℃
Ms=���.�℃
Mf=���.�℃
Mf=���.�℃
Time/s
Time/s
(a) 10B21 steel
(b) ML20MnTiB steel
The test quenching temperatures ranged from 860 to 940 °C. A total of five sets of specimens were tested at 860, 880, 900, 920, and 940 °C. For each set, eight specimens were tested, with hardness measurements taken at 3 mm intervals from the edge to the center. The Ac =���.�℃ hardness distributions� of the 10B21 and ML20MnTiB steels are shown in Figure 2; Based on the quenching hardness distribution, the average hardness ofAcboth steels gradually decreases with increasing depth. During austenitization at 860–940 °C, the hardness of 10B21 steel =���.�℃ � ranged from 375 to 454 HV10, while that of ML20MnTiB steel ranged from 386 to 468 HV10. Both steels exhibited their highest overall hardness during austenitization at 900 °C. Ms=���.�℃
Hardness / HV10 Quenching depth / mm
Quenching depth / mm
3. Validation of Heat Treatment Processes for 10B21 and ML40Cr Steel
Materials and Process Conditions
The quenching temperature is generally selected as Ac3 + (30–50) °C. The Ac3 value for 10B21 steel is 846 °C, and for ML40Cr steel it is 805 °C. Therefore, the quenching temperature for 10B21 steel is ≥890 °C, and for ML40Cr steel it is ≥860 °C.
Quenching Hardness
120
惠達雜誌
C)
China Fastener World no.78/2026
Hardness / HV10
▼ Figure 2. Hardness Gradients of 10B21 Steel (a) and ML20MnTiB Steel (b) at Different Austenitizing Temperatures Mf=���.�℃
Tempering Hardness
TECHNOLOGY 3.1.Test Specimens A test set consists of 8 hardness specimens, 5 tensile specimens, and 3 impact specimens. Specimens of two different materials are prepared, and tests with different parameters are conducted. The hardness testing instrument is the HR-150DT digital Rockwell hardness tester; the tensile testing equipment is the CHT4605 CMT microcomputer-controlled electro-hydraulic servo universal testing machine; the impact testing equipment is the JB-300B low-temperature impact testing machine, with test specimens measuring 55 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm with a V-notch; A DMI3000M metallographic microscope was used for microstructural observation.
3.2. Test Plan The target internal mechanical properties for high-strength bolts, as specified in GB/T 3098.1, are shown in Table 2. Test plans for 10B21 steel and ML40Cr steel were developed separately based on the quenching medium, quenching temperature, and specimen type, as shown in Table 3.
Performance Metrics Gr. 8.8 Gr. 10.9
▼ Table 2. Target Internal Mechanical Properties for High-Strength Bolts
Rm Tensile Strength ReL Yield Strength/ Rockwell Hardness / -20℃(Sub-zero) KV2 Low-Temperature /MPa MPa HRC Impact Energy /J 870～950 ≥660 26.5～31.0 ≥27 1080～1140 ≥960 35～37.5 ≥27 ▼ Table 3. Heat Treatment Process Validation Plan for 10B21 and ML40Cr Steels
Bolt Material 10B21 Steel
ML40Cr Steel
Grade
Tempering Process
Tensile Test Specimen
Impact Test Specimen
890℃×80min, fast oil
440～460℃×90min
5 of each,
3 of each,
870℃×90min, fast oil
490～500℃×90min
Quenching Process
Gr. 8.8≤M10
880℃×80min, fast oil
Gr. 8.8 M16
880℃×90min, 3%～3.5% aqueous solution
Gr.10.9 M16
880℃×110min, fast oil
Gr. 8.8 M12
Gr.10.9≤M12 Gr.10.9 M30
850℃×135min, 7%～8.5% aqueous solution
440～460℃×90min 450～470℃×90min 500～510℃×90min
510～520℃×90min
for a total of 15
for a total of 9
5 of each,
3 of each,
for a total of 15
for a total of 9
3.3 Validation Results 3.3.1 Quenching, Tempering Hardness The measured hardness of 10B21 steel after quenching was 43.8–44.8 HRC, which corresponds to the hardness value achieved when approximately 90% of the microstructure is martensite. After quenching in an aqueous solution at 880°C, the maximum hardness was 44.5– 45.2 HRC, slightly higher than the hardness achieved with fast oil quenching.
After quenching in an aqueous solution at 850°C, the maximum hardness ranged from 51.5 to 55.2 HRC, which is slightly higher than the hardness achieved with fast oil quenching. The hardness of bolts of different specifications after tempering meets the requirements for Grade 10.9. After quenching in an aqueous solution, the tempering temperature was 10°C higher, resulting in an average hardness of 35.8 HRC; for oil quenching, the hardness of both specifications was similar, at 35.5 HRC and 36.0 HRC, respectively. The quenching and tempering hardness values are shown in Figure 3.
3.3.2 Tensile Strength, Impact Resistance The tensile strength and impact resistance of the quenched and tempered 10B21 steel Grade 8.8 bolts and the ML40Cr steel Grade 10.9 bolt specimens are shown in Figure 4. 惠達雜誌
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The hardness of bolts of different specifications after tempering meets the requirements for Grade 8.8. After quenching in an aqueous solution, the tempering temperature was 10°C higher, resulting in an average hardness of 30.2 HRC; for oil quenching, both specifications were close, at 29.5 HRC and 28.9 HRC, respectively; The measured quenching hardness of ML40Cr steel was 52.8–53.3 HRC, consistent with the hardness values achieved when approximately 90% martensitic structure is formed.
Hardness / HV10 Hardness / HV
Hardness / HV10 Hardness / HV
TECHNOLOGY
▼ Figure 3. Hardness After Quenching and Tempering for The Two Materials Under Different Processing Conditions (Fast Quenching Oil and Aqueous Solution) Quenching depth / mm
Quenching depth / mm
Quenching depth / mm
Quenching depth / mm
Materials and Process Conditions
Hardness (HRC) Hardness (HRC)
Quenching Hardness
Tempering Hardness
Materials and Process Conditions Quenching Hardness
≦M10 Oil
≦M10 Oil
M12 Oil
M12 Oil
M16 Aqueous solution
M16 Aqueous
Tempering Hardness
M27 Oil
≦M16 Oil
≦M16 Oil
M27 Oil
M30 Aqueous solution
M30 Aqueous
solution solutionof Materials and Process Conditions ▼ Figure 4. Test Results for Tensile Strength and Impact Energy Absorption
the Two Materials Under Different Processing Conditions
≦M10 Oil M12 Oil
M16 Solution
Materials and Process Conditions
≦M10 Oil ≦M16 Oil M12 Oil M12 Oil M16 Solution M30 Solution ≦M16 Oil M12 Oil
a ) Tensile Strength / Mpa
M30 Solution
a ) Tensile Strength / Mpa
Materials and Process Conditions M16 Solution
Materials and Process Conditions ≦M16 Oil M16 Solution
China Fastener World no.78/2026
M20 Oil ≦M16 Oil M30 Solution M20 Oil
M30 Solution
b ) Impact Absorption Energy / J
b ) Impact Absorption Energy / J
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1. For Grade 8.8 bolts made of 10B21 steel, the tensile strength is ranked from highest to lowest as follows: 880°C M16 solution-quenched → 880°C ≤ M10 oil-quenched → 880°C M12 oilquenched; the tensile strengths of 880°C ≤ M10 oil-quenched and 880°C M12 oil-quenched are similar; In terms of impact energy absorption, only the 880°C M16 solution-quenched sample meets the 55 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm specimen requirement, achieving 32.5 J. 2. For Grade 10.9 bolts made of ML40Cr steel, the tensile strength ranked from highest to lowest is as follows: 850°C M30 solution-quenched → 870°C ≤ M16 oil quenched → 880°C M27 oil quenched; The impact energy absorption values, ranked from highest to lowest, are: 850°C M30 solution-quenched → 870°C ≤ M16 oil-quenched → 880°C M27 oil-quenched; The 850°C M30 solution-quenched bolts have the highest impact energy absorption at 37 J; the 880°C ≤ M16 bolts have an impact energy absorption of 28.5 J, which is basically acceptable; whereas the 880°C M27 oil-quenched bolts only reach an average of 25 J, failing to meet the standard value. 3.3.3 Metallographic Structure The microstructure of the specimens after quenching and tempering was examined under a 500x microscope, showing the microstructures of the two materials under different processing conditions. 10B21 steel consists of tempered troostite and ferrite. It must meet the requirements of JB/T 7293.3-2014 for inspection according to Grade 3 diagrams, with the tempered troostite microstructure rated as Grade 1–3 to be considered qualified. The metallographic structures of bolts quenched in aqueous solution at 880°C (M16), quenched in oil at 880°C (≤M10), and quenched in oil at 880°C (M12) followed by medium-temperature tempering are shown in Figures 5 through 7, respectively. The M16×80 bolt, solution-quenched and tempered, exhibits a structure of troostite plus a small amount of ferrite, classified as Grade 3; the M10×40 bolt, oil-quenched and tempered, exhibits a structure of troostite plus a small amount of ferrite, classified as Grade 3; and the M12×105 bolt, oil-quenched and tempered, exhibits a structure of troostite plus polygonal ferrite, classified as Grade 4. However, the microstructures reveal that the M10×40 oilquenched bolt contains slightly more ferrite, and the M12×105 oil-quenched bolt exhibits the lowest strength and toughness. This indicates that undissolved ferrite was retained after quenching during the austenitization process at 880–890°C; In contrast, using an aqueous solution as the quenching medium—which provides a faster cooling rate— results in a fine, uniform tempered troostite microstructure.
TECHNOLOGY ▼ Figure 5. Solution-quenched M16×80 Bolt, Grade 3 (10B21×500)
▼ Figure 6. Oil-Quenched M10×40 Bolt, Grade 3（10B21×500）
▼ Figure 7. Oil-quenched M12×105 Bolt, Grade 4 （10B21×500）
ML40Cr steel has a microstructure consisting of tempered sorbite plus a small amount of ferrite. It must comply with GB/T 38720-2020, which specifies that 90% of the microstructure must consist of tempered sorbite, and the microstructure must be evaluated as meeting Grade 1 through 6 requirements. The metallographic structures of bolts solution-quenched at 850°C (M30), oil-quenched at 870°C (≤M16), and oilquenched and high-temperature tempered at 880°C (M27) are shown in Figures 8 through 10, respectively. The M30×180 bolt, solutionquenched and tempered, exhibits a sorbite structure with a small amount of ferrite (Grade 5); the M16×120 bolt, oil-quenched and tempered, exhibits a sorbite structure with a small amount of banded ferrite (Grade 6); and the M27×150 bolt, oil-quenched and tempered, exhibits a sorbite structure with prior austenitic ferrite (Grade 7). ML40Cr steel is generally quenched using fast quenching oil as the cooling medium, whereas larger-sized M30 bolts are quenched in a 7%–8.5% aqueous solution, with the temperature corresponding to the maximum cooling rate being approximately 700°C; for fast-quenching oil, the temperature corresponding to the maximum cooling rate is approximately 610°C. In other words, the temperature at which the aqueous solution quenching medium reaches the boiling stage is higher, and the duration is shorter; due to the higher cooling rate, the tempered sorbite microstructure is finer. At 870°C or higher, the ferritic microstructure in oil-quenched M16 bolts is slightly more prominent, and at 880°C, the strength and toughness of oil-quenched M27 bolts are also lower. ▼ Figure 8. Solution-quenched M30×180 Bolt, Grade 5 （ML40Cr×500）
▼ Figure 9. Oil-quenched M16×120 Bolt, Grade 6 （ML40Cr×500）
▼ Figure 10. Oil-quenched M27×150 Bolt, Grade 7 （ML40Cr×500）
As is known, heat treatment of fasteners is a technique that involves heating, holding at a specific temperature, and cooling steel using appropriate methods to achieve the desired microstructure and properties, thereby imparting ultimate performance to the material and ensuring the ultimate service life of high-strength bolts. As can be seen, the key to the quenching and cooling process lies in controlling the cooling rate. Based on the critical cooling rate, one must comprehensively consider factors such as the type of quenching medium—whether to use an aqueous solution or fast quenching oil, and prioritize factors such as the fastener’s dimensions and material composition. Therefore, it is crucial to flexibly apply the CCT diagram when determining the specific quenching and cooling parameters.
For 10B21 and ML40Cr steels—the former used for Grade 8.8 bolts and the latter for Grade 10.9 bolts—only two quenching media options were considered for the tempering process: fast quenching oil and a PAG aqueous solution. For quenched and tempered 10B21 and ML40Cr steel specimens, the tensile strength and impact properties achieved with the aqueous solution quenching method were overall significantly higher than those achieved with fast quenching oil; however, there is a risk of cracking. The cost of quenching and tempering with fast quenching oil is relatively high, and the quality of the heat treatment needs to be improved. A comprehensive analysis concludes that for Grade 8.8 ≥ M12 10B21 steel bolts and Grade 10.9 ≥ M30 ML40Cr steel bolts, the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient process involves using an aqueous solution for quenching at 880°C and 850°C, respectively, while maintaining the same tempering process. This improves mechanical properties; note that tempering must be performed promptly after quenching. For 10B21 steel Grade 8.8 bolts with M10 or larger and ML40Cr steel Grade 10.9 bolts with M27 or smaller, fast quenching oil should be used as the quenching and cooling medium; heating to 880°C or 890°C for quenching is recommended, with the tempering process remaining unchanged, resulting in a gradual improvement in mechanical properties.
4. Conclusion The fatigue life of high-strength bolts has always been a major concern within the industry. Data indicates that the vast majority of bolt failures are caused by fatigue failure, which typically occurs with almost no warning signs. Fatigue crack initiation in some major accidents often occurs in areas where the heat-treated structure has not been fully quenched. Currently, the quality of heat treatment for high-strength bolts in China is problematic in some cases, with issues such as insufficient holding time during quenching, incomplete austenitization, and nonuniform microstructure. Therefore, it is essential to place great emphasis on metallographic examination of the quenched microstructure. 惠達雜誌
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3.4 Insights from Mass Production of Products
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