Carbon Fiber Tube China — Buyers Guide, Prices, Specs, and Suppliers
1. Introduction
Carbon fiber tube China is a very popular search. Buyers want to find suppliers, check prices, and learn about MOQ, lead times, shipping, and quality.
China is a global hub for carbon fiber tube manufacturing. It has many factories in Guangdong, Shenzhen, Weihai, Jinan, and Shandong. Big marketplaces like Alibaba, Made-in-China, GlobalSources, and TradeWheel list thousands of products.
In this guide, you will see:
- The types of carbon fiber tubes
- The prices and MOQ ranges
- The key specifications
- The manufacturing methods
- How to evaluate suppliers
- Real data and stats
- Pitfalls and how to avoid them
👉 For an overview of our products, see our carbon fiber tube catalog .
2. Common Tube Types and Shapes
Suppliers in China offer many shapes and styles:
- Round carbon fiber tube
- Square carbon fiber tube
- Oval carbon fiber tube
- Pultruded carbon fiber tube
- Roll wrapped carbon fiber tube
- Filament wound carbon fiber tube
Tow counts are important: 3K, 6K, 12K.
Weaves include:
- UD (unidirectional)
- Twill weave
Hybrid tubes use kevlar or fiberglass.
Applications include:
- UAV arms
- Fishing rods
- Camera rigs and gimbals
- Telescopic poles
- Robotics arms
- Automotive exhausts
- Aerospace spars
- Marine prop shaft
3. Price and MOQ Ranges in China
Below is a price and MOQ table from real China supplier listings:
| Type | Price (USD) | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Small 3K pultruded tube | \$0.35–\$5 per meter | 100–500 m |
| Custom roll wrapped tube | \$1.99–\$28.89 per piece | 10–50 pcs |
| Large OD or custom cut | \$3–\$30+ per piece | 1–10 pcs |
| Stock sample | Higher per piece | 1 pc |
Notes:
- FOB and CIF prices are common trade terms.
- Sample orders are more costly per piece but useful to test.
- MOQ varies by supplier, often 10–500 pcs.
4. Key Specifications to Ask Suppliers
When contacting a carbon fiber tube supplier in China, request these specs:
- OD / ID / wall thickness
- Length (1m, 2m, 10m)
- Straightness tolerance
- Tensile strength
- Modulus of elasticity
- Layup (UD or twill)
- Tow count (3K, 6K, 12K)
- Resin system
- Temperature limit
- Surface finish (matte, glossy, clear coat)
Ask for certificates:
- ISO9001
- Material Test Reports (MTRs)
- RoHS / REACH
5. Manufacturing and Finishing Options
China factories use different manufacturing methods:
- Pultrusion → best for long and simple tubes
- Filament winding → best for strength and roundness
- Roll wrapping → good for custom layers and glossy finish
- Prepreg / autoclave → for aerospace and medical devices
Suppliers also offer:
- CNC machining
- Drilling
- Cutting services
- End fittings and couplers
- Adhesive bonding
6. Evaluating and Shortlisting Suppliers
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Search suppliers on Alibaba, Made-in-China, and GlobalSources.
- Check if they are factories or trading companies.
- Ask for photos, videos, and sample orders.
- Get MTRs with batch numbers.
- Confirm MOQ, lead time, and tooling fees.
- Use third-party inspection before shipment.
- Review payment terms: T/T, L/C.
- Confirm shipping: FOB, CIF, or DDU.
👉 To see our own custom composite factory details .
7. Quick Engineer RFQ Checklist
Use this list in your RFQ:
- OD / ID / wall thickness
- Length (1m, 2m, 10m)
- Tow count (3K, 6K, 12K)
- Layup (UD, twill)
- Resin type
- Finish (matte, glossy)
- Straightness tolerance
- Test reports required
8. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Problems:
- Wrong OD / ID vs drawing
- Hidden MOQ and tooling fees
- No MTR or test reports
- Poor export packaging → damage during shipping
Solutions:
- Always get sample approval
- Write acceptance criteria into purchase order
- Use inspection companies in Sushzou, Dongguan, Weihai, or Shenzhen
9. Pricing Negotiation and Sample Strategy
Tips to reduce cost:
- Start with a sample order
- Use tiered pricing
- Combine SKUs to meet MOQ
- Ask for volume discounts
10. Shipping, Customs, and Import
HS codes: 6815, 68151090
Packing:
- Plastic wrap
- Carton box
- Wooden crate for export
Lead time:
- 7–30 days small orders
- 2–6 weeks large orders
Trade terms:
- FOB and CIF are most common
- Use insurance and inspection services
11. Data, Case Studies, and Stats
Here is a data table with real stats:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| China carbon fiber market size | US\$1.07B by 2030 (CAGR ~11.7%) |
| Global carbon fiber tube market | US\$1.5B (2024) → US\$3.5B (2033) |
| Imports into China | 263 shipments (2023–2024), +27% YoY |
| Typical MOQ | 1–500 pcs, depending on supplier |
| Lead time | 7–30 days for small orders, 2–6 weeks large |
| Applications | Drones, fishing rods, robotics, marine |
| Certifications | ISO9001, RoHS, REACH, MTR |
12. Top Marketplaces and Verified Factories
Where to buy:
- Alibaba
- Made-in-China
- GlobalSources
- Chinacarbonfibers
Known Chinese manufacturers:
- Chinacarbonfibers Composite
- Scomp Composites
- Suzhou SC Composites
👉 Explore more custom carbon fiber solutions .
13. FAQ
Q: What is 3K vs 12K carbon fiber tube? A: 3K has fine weave and looks good. 12K is cheaper per weight but heavier.
Q: Can suppliers do CNC machining? A: Yes, many in Suzhou, Shenzhen and Guangdong offer CNC machining and drilling.
Q: What is MOQ in China? A: Between 1 pc (for samples) to 500 pcs for bulk.
Q: Do suppliers provide MTR? A: Yes, ask for MTR with batch numbers.
Q: What finish options are common? A: Matte, glossy, and clear coat.
14. Conclusion
China is the main source for carbon fiber tubes. It offers low cost, many manufacturing methods, and fast lead times.
But buyers must check specs, confirm certifications, and use inspections.
👉 To connect with a trusted carbon composite manufacturer , explore our site today.