The price surge is driven by exploding demand, particularly from AI computing power and major initiatives like China's “East Data West Computing” project, leading to a 25-fold increase in G. E fiber procurement by major operators in 2025. Input costs for fiber optic cable are adding upward pressure on fiber optic cable prices at a time when demand for fiber technology is high and expected to continue growing. D single-mode fiber hitting a seven-year high in China at over ¥35 RMB per fiber kilometer and some quotes exceeding ¥40 RMB, marking a year-to-date increase of over 80% by January 2026. 18 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 16. Rapid expansion of data centers, cloud services, and 5G infrastructure is driving strong adoption of fiber optic solutions. Raw materials, finished components, transportation of goods, supply storage, and skilled labor are all dramatically more expensive than pr -pandemic, and often in short or uncertain supply.
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