Optical Fibre--Preform factories are full but prices show competitive pressure

摘要

The optical fibre industry is in an uneasy situation: 1.) orders are close to last year's levels, when preform capacity was fully utilized; 2.) new facilities or expansions are underway, but it is not clear how much new capacity might be turned up this year; and 3.) the purchases of a few large customers could affect the balance between supply and demand, especially in China. With these uncertainties, there has been no relief from pressure on prices. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may be causing some apparent decreases to prices reported in dollars - the dollar has gained strength relative to the Euro and Yen.