Weihai Fishing Tackle Exports Surge 18.4% in Early 2026

Weihai City in east China’s Shandong Province — the world’s largest single concentration of fishing tackle manufacturing — reported fishing tackle exports of 820 million yuan (approximately $113 million) in the first two months of 2026, representing an 18.4% year-on-year increase, according to local customs data.

Nearly 60% of the world’s fishing rods are produced in Weihai, and the city hosts an estimated 5,000 fishing tackle manufacturing and trading firms. The cluster covers the full product spectrum — rods, reels, bait, terminal tackle, and accessories — with tightly integrated upstream and downstream supply chains that give Weihai-based manufacturers a structural cost advantage over any other global production region.

Key Data Points

• Weihai share of global rod production: ~60%
• Fishing tackle firms in Weihai cluster: ~5,000
• Exports (Jan-Feb 2026): 820 million yuan ($113M)
• Year-on-year growth: 18.4%
• Source: Weihai Customs / Xinhua Silk Road

Industry Momentum

The growth reflects a broader pickup in outdoor recreation demand as spring consumption patterns strengthen. Fishing tackle, as a gateway category for outdoor sports, benefits from both seasonal factors and the longer-term trend of increased participation in recreational fishing globally.

Shandong Weihai Huanqiu Fishing Tackle Industrial Co., Ltd., a 40-year veteran of the sector, reported exports of 170 million yuan in the first quarter of 2026, up 2.5% year-on-year, with orders booked through June. The company specialises in carbon-fiber and fiberglass fishing rods and sells to more than 50 countries and territories.

Company executive Zhou Hao noted that demand for innovative and high-performance fishing tackle continues to rise, driven by upgrades in outdoor consumption patterns and changing angler expectations. Rods manufactured with improved techniques in toughness, elasticity, and tensile strength are finding ready buyers in export markets.

Customs Support

Weihai Customs has stepped up services to support the sector during peak export season, including guidance on raw material quality control and production line inspection to ensure compliance with international standards. For international buyers sourcing from Weihai, these support measures translate into more consistent delivery timelines and product quality.

Significance for Buyers

The continued growth in Weihai’s fishing tackle exports signals that the city’s manufacturers remain competitive on both price and delivery — the two factors that matter most to international importers and brand owners. With production capacity expanding and product quality rising across the cluster, Weihai is likely to extend its dominance in global fishing tackle supply for the foreseeable future.

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