Huancui District tackle output grows 12.3 percent in first half of 2026

Huancui District, the manufacturing heart of Weihai’s fishing tackle cluster, posted industrial output of 1.711 billion yuan (approximately USD 240 million) from its above-scale tackle enterprises in the first half of 2026, up 12.3 percent year on year, according to regional industry figures. Operating revenue reached 1.537 billion yuan (approximately USD 216 million), up 3.9 percent.

The growth comes as the district’s rod makers accelerate a shift from volume-based OEM production to smart manufacturing, brand building and standards leadership. More than half of all fishing tackle products made in Weihai originate in Huancui District, and the city as a whole supplies roughly 60 percent of the world’s fishing rod market, exporting to more than 60 countries and regions.

The district has registered “Weihai Fishing Tackle” as the industry’s first collective trademark, a government-backed regional brand under which local companies coordinate their international marketing. Eleven above-scale tackle enterprises in Huancui have been recognized as provincial-level specialized and innovative SMEs, and leading brands such as Handing and Baofeilong together hold more than 20 percent of China’s domestic rod market.

Standardization is a growing weapon for the cluster. Leading companies including Huanqiu and Baofeilong have led or participated in revising three national standards for fishing tackle — including the standard covering quantities, units and symbols for fishing tackle and tackle materials — as well as ten industry standards covering fishing tackle classification and terminology, rod holders and other areas.

Automation is spreading through the district’s workshops. Handing operates what local officials describe as the industry’s first fully automated rod production line, handling more than 30 processes with minimal human intervention and cutting manpower needs by 80 percent. Weihai authorities say local enterprises have jointly overcome 15 industry-wide technical challenges, including automatic line-winding assistance and automated injection molding of soft baits.

“We used to compete on volume and OEM work, with thin margins. Now we compete on technology and standards, and win on quality,” a Huancui District industry official told regional media. With policy support and an increasingly complete supply chain, the district expects the transformation to keep reshaping the competitive landscape of the global fishing tackle market.

🏢 Key Data at a Glance

• H1 2026 industrial output: 1.711 billion yuan (+12.3% YoY)
• H1 2026 operating revenue: 1.537 billion yuan (+3.9% YoY)
• Provincial specialized & innovative SMEs: 11 above-scale enterprises
• Domestic rod market share (Handing + Baofeilong): 20%+
• National standards led/revised: 3; industry standards: 10
• Weihai global rod market share: approximately 60%; exports to 60+ countries

Found a mistake? See our corrections policy. Have a tip? Contact the editor.