Liquid-immersed transformers—colloquially “oil-filled” units—submerge core-and-coil assemblies in mineral oil, natural ester or synthetic ester. The fluid provides insulation, cooling and arc-quenching in one package, making the design the classic work-horse of power-system substations.

       China controls 65 % of world output and 68 % of world exports, while its cost base is roughly 30 % below EU levels. This triad of advantages secures Beijing’s role as the global price-setter. With front-running green technologies such as natural-ester fluid, digital bushings and overseas CKD assembly, Chinese suppliers are morphing from “low-cost maker” to “global green-power solution provider”.

       Customs data show that in January-October 2025 China exported 2.16 million liquid-immersed transformers worth US$4.993 billion, up 52.2 % YoY. Volume spiked in February—up an eye-watering 13,859 % YoY and about 36 % MoM. The trough came in April (-7.49 % YoY, -92.6 % vs February).

  Market Distribution  

       China’s exports of liquid-immersed transformers are heavily concentrated in Asia, which accounts for 90.23% of total export volume. India alone represents 85.03% of volume, but only 0.72% of export value — indicating a focus on low-capacity, low-margin units. In contrast, the Philippines stands out with US$209 million in import value, reflecting major investments in power infrastructure. Indonesia and Vietnam also show strong emerging market momentum.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — major oil economies — are driving demand for energy facility upgrades. In Europe, countries like Spain and the Netherlands are seeking high-efficiency equipment, with unit prices well above the global average.

  China’s Export Advantages  

Technology:

Natural ester penetration leads global average

Low-loss silicon steel penetration: 25%

Digital bushing penetration: 15%

Raw Materials:

Silicon steel accounts for 28% of total cost

China produces 55% of global silicon steel — ensuring supply stability

Supply Chain:

Lead time: 10–12 weeks (vs. 16–20 in EU, 18–22 in Japan)

Overseas warehouses in Poland, Mexico, Dubai with ready stock — 48-hour delivery to project sites

  Strategic Outlook  

       By pre-positioning natural ester, recycled oil, digital bushings and overseas CKD assembly, Chinese suppliers can capture technology premiums and sidestep carbon-border tariffs. The country is shifting from “low-cost supplier” to “global green power solution provider”.

Data Note:
Figures cover transformers with rated capacity:

≤ 650 kVA

≥ 500 MVA
(HS codes: 85042100、85042200、85042311、85042312、85042313、85042321、85042329)

       As China's first data company, Guomaotong provides import and export customs data for over 90 countries from 2010 to present. It can accurately analyze market distribution and transaction details of import and export enterprises online, and analyze transaction volumes, prices, and supply cycles. It offers reliable data for foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

(This article is an original creation by BTD. Please indicate the source when reposting.)