USB connectors suppliers prepare for version 3.1 uptake

Units in the latest specification still have less than 10 percent share of local output. This will climb as makers boost production in coming months.

Although USB 3.0 connectors will stay in mainstream supply in mainland China, a growing number of companies have started shifting their attention to USB 3.1 variants. The latter type represents less than 10 percent of output at present. This, however, will change as manufacturers look to adjust the ratio in anticipation of higher demand in 2016. Most are planning to raise the volume by 10 percent in the months ahead. They are counting on USB 3.1's local market share advancing further next year from between 10 to 20 percent in end-2015.

Globally, requirement for USB 3.1 connectors, particularly type C used in mobile electronics, has been on the rise in the past one to two years, thanks to the support of industry leaders such as Apple, Google and Nokia.

The standard's 10Gbps transmission speed, 20V, 5A power rating and enhanced EMI and RFI mitigation are anticipated to broaden adoption in various electronics.

There are more than 200 suppliers of USB 3.1 connectors in the mainland, and over half are makers with investment from Taiwan and Hong Kong. The majority of the manufacturers churn out other types of connectors and cable assemblies.

A few offer Thunderbolt 2 connectors, but the portion is 5 percent of yield as production is based on orders only. In the USB category, 3.0 units have a sales share exceeding 60 percent at present.

The makers gather mainly in the Pearl River and Yangtze River Delta regions. Guangdong province in the first is the largest manufacturing hub, with the cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen being the key areas.

See a comparison table of USB 3.1 connectors suppliers on GlobalSources.com