China, the US, and Mexico: three leading countries in global fiber optic trade

Global fiber optic trade has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the digital economy. Driven by the expansion of 5G networks, data centers, and industrial connectivity, this market is not only growing in size but is also reshaping its value chains globally. Asian countries collectively account for nearly 50% of global exports, with China dominating in both sectors.

Looking at both optical fiber and optical cable, China ranks first with an export share of 29.6%, followed by the United States (12%) and Mexico (11%), which shows that technology is highly concentrated in economies with strong industrial bases.

Mexico’s position in the global fiber optic chain

Mexico has become a key player in the global optical cable manufacturing sector. Over the past decade, its export share has grown by more than 80%, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest exporter of optical cables.

This performance reflects a highly specialized model of regional integration. Mexico has become a production platform for North America, closely linked to the United States. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, 75% of Mexico’s trade in this sector is concentrated in this relationship.

The study details that 96% of Mexico’s fiber optic cable exports go to the United States, confirming its key position in the regional supply chain. Meanwhile, 55% of the United States’ fiber optic cable imports also come from Mexico, reflecting a complementary production model.

This model has made Mexico a net exporter of cables—one of the few countries in the world, along with others including China, Japan, India, Poland, and Romania—which has solidified Mexico’s industrial specialization in the sector.

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