Mar 30, 2026 (Global Energy Report) — Recently, the first converter transformer for the Gansu-Zhejiang ±800kV UHV DC transmission project arrived at its destination smoothly, marking that this world-class energy artery has entered the key equipment installation stage. Behind this major project is the strong strength of China's transformer industry, which has made Chinese transformers a global "hot commodity" sought after by buyers from all over the world. Customs data shows that in 2025, China's transformer export value reached a record 646 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of nearly 36%, and the average export price per transformer rose to 205,000 yuan, a year-on-year increase of about one-third – a clear sign that Chinese transformers are moving from "cost advantage" to "quality and technology advantage" in the global market.
The core advantage of China-made transformers lies in the complete and independent industrial chain, which provides global buyers with stable supply and short delivery cycles – a crucial factor in power infrastructure construction. From copper, aluminum and other raw materials to iron cores, tap changers and other key components, China has built the world's most complete transformer production system, with an output accounting for more than 50% of the global total and a production capacity accounting for about 60%.
Leading technology and high energy efficiency are important supports for China-made transformers to win global trust. In 2024, China updated the mandatory national standard for transformer energy efficiency levels for the fourth time, and the level 1 energy efficiency index reached the international leading level.
The ability to accurately adapt to market demand and provide professional customized services has further enhanced the competitiveness of China-made transformers. Aiming at the environmental protection needs of the European and American markets, Chinese enterprises have developed vegetable oil transformers; to adapt to the needs of data centers, they have developed solid-state transformers with small footprint and high efficiency; for high-altitude areas in South America and extreme climate conditions in the Middle East, customized products with strong environmental adaptability are provided.
For global buyers, choosing China-made transformers is a wise decision driven by multiple practical advantages that no other country can match. First, stable supply and short delivery cycles: supported by a complete industrial chain, Chinese enterprises can respond quickly to urgent orders, avoiding project delays caused by supply shortages. Second, unparalleled cost-effectiveness: China-made transformers not only have a unit capacity cost 25% lower than similar products in Europe and the United States, but also have lower operation and maintenance costs, helping buyers save a lot of expenses in the long run.
With the implementation of the "Energy-Saving Equipment High-Quality Development Implementation Plan (2026-2028)", China's transformer industry will move towards a more efficient and green direction, continuously upgrading products and services to provide stronger support for the global energy system upgrading.
