High-end optical fiber preform prices surge by 550%

The optical fiber preform, also known as the "optical rod," is the original rod material that determines the performance of optical fibers. Optical rods can be divided into three main categories: A, B, and C. Among them, the A2 optical fiber preform, classified as a high-end product, is experiencing explosive demand. According to industry insiders, as the upstream material of optical cable products, optical fiber preforms account for 70% of the industry's profit distribution. Currently, the most sought-after optical rod product is the "A2 optical fiber preform," which produces optical fibers with strong bending resistance and is widely used in AI computing power infrastructure and home communication scenarios. Data shows that the price of A2 preforms has increased from 22 to 30 yuan per equivalent core kilometer at the beginning of 2025 to 160 yuan per equivalent core kilometer by the middle of 2026, a surge of nearly 550%.