2025 China Adhesives & Tape Market Trends: Strong Export, Price Pressure | KW Sealant

In the first half of 2025, China's adhesives and adhesive tape industries demonstrated a marked divergence: robust export performance versus sluggish import demand, according to data compiled by the China Adhesives and Tape Industry Association and customs authorities. This article provides a professional summary of Q2 and H1 2025 import-export trends for adhesives and tapes — crucial for global buyers seeking reliable partners in China's high-performance materials market.

Adhesives: Strong Export Growth, Import Substitution Rising

In H1 2025:

• Adhesive exports surged to 637,800 tons, up 18.46% YoY, with an export value of $1.635 billion (+13.78%).

• Adhesive imports declined to 82,500 tons (-8.23%), with value dropping slightly to $1.278 billion (-0.70%).

These figures signal rising global competitiveness of Chinese adhesives and suggest that domestic products are replacing imported materials, driven by improved R&D and cost advantages.

Adhesive Tapes: Volume Growth, But Price Pressure

While adhesive tape exports grew substantially to 1.3766 million tons (+12.14%), the export value only rose by 1.20% to $4.961 billion, pointing to shrinking unit prices.

Tape imports increased slightly by 1.39% to 72,800 tons, but import value fell by 2.40% to $1.625 billion — possibly due to a rise in lower-priced product imports or substitution by local mid- to high-end solutions.

Q2 2025 Highlights

• Adhesive exports: 337,000 tons, $856 million (+16.17%, +12.63%)

• Adhesive imports: 42,400 tons, $668 million (-11.85%, -3.33%)

• Tape exports: 734,700 tons, $2.658 billion (+9.07%, +2.59%)

• Tape imports: 37,600 tons, $848 million (-5.29%, -6.61%)

KW Sealant's Perspective

As a trusted supplier of industrial sealants and adhesive solutions, KW Sealant observes:

• Exports will remain the primary growth driver, especially in adhesives;

• Price competition in tapes calls for product structure upgrades;

• The shift towards domestic innovation creates long-term opportunity;

• Focus on high-performance, eco-friendly, and functional adhesive products will be key to sustaining international competitiveness and improving export unit value.