In 2026, the global market for unidirectional carbon fiber sheets, a core material in the structural strengthening industry, is experiencing significant changes, with price fluctuations becoming a core concern for practitioners in the structural strengthening field. 

Middle East Situation Triggers a Chain Reaction in the Supply Chain of Structural Strengthening Materials

The Middle East is a crucial hub in the global energy and chemical industry chain, and its geopolitical instability in 2026 has directly impacted the production and supply of unidirectional carbon fiber sheets and their matching structural adhesives—core materials for structural strengthening projects. This has formed a multi-level cost conduction effect that cannot be ignored, directly affecting the operation and cost control of enterprises in the structural strengthening industry.

1. Crude Oil Price Fluctuations Impact Raw Material Costs of Core Materials

Unidirectional carbon fiber sheets, widely used in structural strengthening projects such as building maintenance, bridge reinforcement, and historical building protection, are mainly made of PAN-based carbon fiber. Acrylonitrile (PAN), the core raw material of carbon fiber, is highly dependent on crude oil cracking products. The escalating situation in the Middle East has led to tight global crude oil supply and continuous price increases, which has directly pushed up the production cost of acrylonitrile. As the upstream raw material accounts for more than 25% of the total cost of carbon fiber, the cost pressure has been quickly transmitted to the downstream unidirectional carbon fiber sheet market, which is closely related to the structural strengthening industry.

Similarly, the production of structural adhesives matching unidirectional carbon fiber sheets (such as epoxy resin adhesives commonly used in structural strengthening) also relies on petrochemical derivatives. The rise in crude oil prices has led to an increase in the cost of adhesive raw materials, forming a "double price increase" pattern of carbon fiber and structural adhesive. This further amplifies the cost pressure of structural strengthening enterprises, as these two materials account for a large proportion of the total material cost of reinforcement projects.

2. Logistics Disruption Aggravates Supply Tension of Reinforcement Materials

The Middle East is an important channel for global maritime logistics, and the tense situation has increased the safety risks of global shipping routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, a key crude oil and chemical product transportation channel. For the structural strengthening industry, which often relies on imported high-quality carbon fiber sheets and special adhesives, this has not only led to a significant increase in transportation costs (the overall transportation cost has increased by 15%-20% compared with the previous period), but also caused delays in transportation cycles. 

As a manufacturer of structural reinforcement materials engaged in foreign trade, passively waiting in the face of market fluctuations caused by the situation in the Middle East is unwise; proactive action is essential.

By the end of 2025, we had already purchased a batch of raw materials. By optimizing our supply chain, improving production efficiency, and adjusting our product structure, we can steadily weather the price increase cycle and achieve long-term stable development in the international market.

Contact with us directly, we will send you the best price.