Driven by the rapid development of new energy, smart home, and 5G communication industries, the power cord sector is experiencing dual transformations: the iteration of safety standards and technological upgrading. According to the latest industry report, the global power cord market is projected to maintain a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2025 to 2030, surpassing RMB 1.2 trillion by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region will account for over 45% of the market share, emerging as the core growth engine.

Comprehensive Tightening of Safety Standards – Multiple New Regulations Safeguard Consumer Safety

Recent intensive updates to domestic and international power cord safety standards have set higher industry thresholds. Domestically, two mandatory new national standards implemented on August 1st explicitly require that the rear end of plug metal electrodes must be equipped with insulating sleeves to reduce the risk of accidental contact through physical isolation. Meanwhile, special safety specifications have been formulated for extension cord sockets used in scenarios such as electric bicycle charging and electric vehicle (EV) discharging, effectively curbing fire hazards caused by overloading.

Internationally, the UL 9990 standard has officially taken effect – the first dedicated safety specification for information and communication technology (ICT) power cords. This standard classifies products into Type I (100W and below) and Type II (100W-250W). High-power Type II cables are required to integrate power transmission synchronization circuits to ensure power matching before initiating power supply. Additionally, stringent testing requirements are imposed on flame retardancy, bending life, and voltage resistance, filling the gap in safety standards for high-power charging cables.

Technological Iteration Drives Structural Upgrades – High-End and Green Development Become Mainstream

The market demand structure is accelerating its shift toward high-value-added segments, with special-purpose power cords emerging as the core growth driver. Data shows that the market share of special products featuring high temperature resistance, flame retardancy, and high conductivity will increase from 18% in 2025 to 32% in 2030. Among these, high-power power cords for new energy vehicle charging piles are expected to achieve an annual growth rate exceeding 25%, with the market size exceeding RMB 80 billion by 2028.

In terms of technological innovation, environmental protection and cost optimization have become key directions. The application ratio of halogen-free environmentally friendly materials is increasing by 3% annually, and is expected to reach 60% coverage by 2030. The industrialization of new conductor materials such as copper-clad aluminum is accelerating, enabling a 15%-20% reduction in raw material costs. Meanwhile, areas such as customized wire harnesses for smart factories, superconducting cable R&D, and waste cable recycling have become investment hotspots, with sustained increases in policy subsidies. The requirement for resource recycling rates will rise from the current 35% to 50%.

Accelerated Industry Restructuring – Enterprises Focus on R&D and Capacity Layout

Faced with standard upgrades and technological changes, the industry's competitive landscape is set to restructure. The report predicts that the industry will enter a period of consolidation after 2027, and enterprises will need to increase R&D investment from the current 3.5% to over 5% to maintain competitiveness. Companies are accelerating capacity layout in Southeast Asia to address trade barriers, while focusing on high-margin tracks such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) superconducting cables and intelligent customized wire harnesses. Technology-leading enterprises are expected to gain excess profits.

Industry experts note that the power cord industry has transformed from a traditional supporting industry to a strategic track characterized by "high-endization, greenization, and intelligence." In the future, it will be deeply integrated with emerging fields such as new energy and Industry 4.0. Standard compliance and technological innovation will become the core competitiveness for enterprises' survival and development.