Although the rise in raw material costs and the reduction in export tax rebates have put pressure on industry profits, the rubber hose and belt sector still experienced a significant increase in output and economic performance last year. This growth was driven by the development of related domestic industries. Industry leaders expect steady market expansion this year. However, during the Third China Large-Scale Enterprise Summit held recently, executives from major domestic companies expressed concerns about ongoing challenges. While 2008 showed clear growth opportunities, they emphasized that high costs and various risks remain. Market irregularities are still prevalent, prompting industry leaders to call for more sustainable development strategies, including new product innovation, self-regulation, and brand building.
The rubber belt industry, though not large in scale, serves key sectors of the national economy such as steel, coal, cement, power, ports, construction materials, and automotive. With China's rapid economic growth, demand for these industries has created favorable conditions for the rubber hose and belt market.
According to Li Hong, secretary-general of the China Rubber Industry Association, member companies produced 180 million square meters of conveyor belts in 2007—an increase of 42.96% compared to the previous year. Hose production reached 105 million standard meters, up 22.35%, while transmission belts totaled 1.12 billion A meters, rising by 62.1%. International exports also saw strong growth: 19.915 million square meters of conveyor belts were exported (up 47.31%), 14.544 million standard meters of hoses (up 12.94%), and 198 million A meters of V-belts (up 49.05%).
Looking ahead, the rubber pipe and belt market is expected to remain optimistic. Steel consumption is projected to grow by 12%, power generation capacity will increase by 85 million kilowatts (an 11.8% rise), coal demand is expected to reach 2.74 billion tons, cement production will grow by 11–13%, and vehicle numbers will hit 50 million. Based on these trends, the China Rubber Association forecasts that conveyor belt output will reach 230 million square meters, V-belt output 1.5 billion A meters, and hose output 620 million standard meters in 2008. Vehicle hose demand is expected to exceed 250 million standard meters.
Despite this positive outlook, industry leaders warn that rising costs continue to challenge businesses. Raw material prices—especially synthetic rubber, carbon black, and steel cords—have surged due to higher oil prices. Natural rubber prices remain high, and steel cord prices have increased by 5,000–6,000 yuan per ton. Additionally, the lower export tax rebate rate has reduced profit margins, and RMB appreciation adds further pressure. Labor costs have also risen sharply following the implementation of the "Labor Contract Law." For example, Wuxi Baotong’s per capita cost was 30,000 yuan last year, with a 10% increase expected this year.
Market regulation and industry self-discipline remain critical. While large companies have started to self-regulate, many new entrants have caused uneven product quality and intense competition. Some companies even offer unreasonably low prices, such as 15 yuan per square meter for stratified belts, which is below material costs. Such practices threaten quality and efficiency.
To address these issues, industry leaders are pushing for stronger self-regulation and brand development. Meng Fanyou of Fuxin Huanyu suggests that associations should regularly publish product costs to help new entrants assess investment risks and users make informed choices. Feng Weimin of Shanxi Fenghuang Adhesive Tape recommends fair and effective recommendations for quality products to stabilize the market.
Wang Weiqin of Yinhe Depu Tape emphasizes the need for product innovation, such as developing high-value items like low-wear, high-strength, tubular, and flame-retardant belts. He also advocates for better user engagement to improve efficiency and reduce resource use.
Brand building is another top priority. Several companies, including Zhejiang Sanlux, Guizhou Dazhong, Zhejiang Shuangjian, Qingdao Oak Group, Fuxin Huanyu, Wuxi Baotong, and Anhui Zhongyi, have achieved recognition as Chinese famous brands, enhancing their visibility and credibility. Shen Shuliang of Zhejiang Shuangjian notes that brand promotion is central to the association’s efforts this year.
Fan Rende, general secretary of the China Rubber Industry Association, also stressed the importance of improving product quality through credit certification, reducing counterfeit goods, and protecting consumer rights. With these measures, the industry aims to ensure long-term stability and growth.
Sulfenamide Accelerator
Curekind Sulfenamide Accelerator series, is a benzothiazole sulfenamide compound used as a vulcanization accelerator.
It is a type of slow-acting accelerator derived from 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (accelerator M) as the parent. Compared with thiazole accelerators, scorch time is long, processing safety is high, and physical and mechanical properties and aging resistance of vulcanizates are outstanding. It is one of the types of rubber accelerators that have the largest production output, the most variety, and the widest range of applications.
Curekind Sulfenamide Accelerator series, including Curekind CBS, Curekind TBBS, Curekind DCBS & Curekind MBS, etc. basic accelerator, delay scorching and long curing time of accelerator, and semi-ultra accelerator, widely application for technical rubber parts, tire/tyre and antivibration.
Sulfenamide Accelerator, Semi-ultra accelerator MBS NOBS, Basic Accelerator CBS
Ningbo Actmix Rubber Chemicals Co.,Ltd. , https://www.predispersedchemical.com