China: Bridge Market 2025

Bridge Market Size in China

In 2021, the Chinese bridge market decreased by -6.5% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Bridge consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

Bridge Production in China

In value terms, bridge production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 23% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Bridge Exports

Exports from China

For the third year in a row, China recorded growth in shipments abroad of bridges, bridge sections, towers and lattice masts (of iron or steel), which increased by 6.1% to X tons in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +21.8% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 68%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, bridge exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, total exports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +41.1% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 51%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The Philippines (X tons), Bangladesh (X tons) and Pakistan (X tons) were the main destinations of bridge exports from China, together comprising 32% of total exports. Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Congo, Myanmar, Senegal, Croatia, Australia, Kenya and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Croatia (with a CAGR of +83.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Philippines ($X) remains the key foreign market for bridges, bridge sections, towers and lattice masts (of iron or steel) exports from China, comprising 18% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bangladesh ($X), with an 8.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR, with a 6.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the Philippines stood at +26.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Bangladesh (+40.6% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (+24.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average bridge export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 17% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average export price increased by 29%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Croatia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Myanmar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Congo (+9.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Bridge Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, purchases abroad of bridges, bridge sections, towers and lattice masts (of iron or steel) increased by 190% to X tons, rising for the fifth year in a row after three years of decline. In general, imports showed a prominent expansion. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, bridge imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a buoyant increase. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main suppliers of bridge imports to China, with a combined 89% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +229.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of bridges, bridge sections, towers and lattice masts (of iron or steel) to China, comprising 55% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by the Czech Republic, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany amounted to +16.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+10.1% per year) and the Czech Republic (0.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average bridge import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -23.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a drastic downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 67% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Czech Republic ($X per ton), while the price for the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+33.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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