Effective January 5, 2026, TE Connectivity, a global leader in connectors, announced a price increase across all product lines and regions. This globally consistent price adjustment, covering automotive, communication, industrial, and other categories, represents a moderate structural price hike. This move not only underscores the core value of connectors as the 'blood vessels and nerves' of electronic equipment but also signals that a window for industry-wide value reassessment is fully opening.

Amid this booming demand, the connector market is thriving. Major connector players like Phoenix Contact, 3M, DEGSON, DINKLE, WAIN, and KEFA Electronics are set to make a significant appearance at the 2026 ITES Shenzhen Industrial Exhibition. Let's explore their latest connector-related products and recent business developments.

What Sectors Are Driving This 200-Billion-Yuan Market?

According to data from the Zhongshang Industrial Research Institute, China's connector market size reached approximately 218.1 billion yuan in 2024 and is projected to grow to 231.2 billion yuan in 2025, making China the largest connector market globally. From a worldwide perspective, the global connector market size climbed to $71.7 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 5%, demonstrating significant growth resilience.

 The value proposition of the connector industry far exceeds that of ordinary electronic components. Their production involves technologies from multiple fields like precision manufacturing, materials science, and mold development, creating high entry barriers. Leading companies often maintain gross margins around 30%, earning the industry the nickname "Electronic Moutai". Today, connectors have deeply penetrated the automotive, communication & data, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors.

· Automotive: This is the fastest-growing and highest value-added segment, encompassing high-voltage connectors for new energy vehicles (NEVs), in-vehicle radar, and smart cockpit connectors.

· Industrial: Applications include industrial automation, heavy-duty and sensor connectors, which demand extreme reliability and protection under harsh operating conditions.

· Consumer Electronics: This sector includes connectors for consumer devices, home appliances, and medical equipment, posing significant challenges for miniaturization, precision, and customization.

International and Domestic Connector Brands Converge at ITES

Phoenix Contact

As a core supplier in the global industrial connector market, Phoenix Contact's products range from standard terminal blocks to high-end industrial communication connectors (like the M8/M12 series), making it a mainstream supplier in key markets like China, the US, and Europe.

· Latest Developments: Its M17 PRO hybrid connector is the first M17 circular connector compliant with IEC standard 61076-2-117. It integrates data, signal, and power transmission into a single compact solution, ideally suited for applications from robotics to motor control. In terms of investment in China, its second base super factory officially broke ground in Q1 2025, while the third base (NEV Competitiveness Center) was simultaneously activated with the first batch of equipment调试 completed, accelerating its布局 in the new energy sector.

3M Connectors

3M, a global diversified technology company, is renowned for its connector products' high reliability, innovative design, and ability to perform in harsh environments. For instance, its wire-to-board connectors (e.g., 451/452/1552 series) support various pitches and feature anti-misinsertion functions, meeting high-density interconnection needs.

· Latest Developments: For new energy and high-end industrial scenarios, 3M launched a 36kV shielded separable connector suitable for 18/30(36)kV voltage levels, used for connecting cables to transformers and switchgear. Its 72.5kV separable connector precisely matches the mainstream voltage levels and demanding conditions of offshore wind power. In robotics, its CoaXPress® compatible cable assemblies have endured 45 million flexing cycles in tests, and USB3 Vision® compatible cable assemblies exceeded 100 million cycles, significantly enhancing equipment durability.

DEGSON

DEGSON positions itself as a mid-to-high-end provider of comprehensive industrial connector solutions. Its main products include terminal blocks, circular/heavy-duty connectors, NEV charging guns, and relay modules.

· Latest Developments: Its proprietary PUSH-SNAP spring connection technology allows for tool-free connection of various wire types. Even fine stranded wires without ferrule ends can be inserted directly, reducing wiring time by 60%. The newly launched DGBSC-SG series features a compact design, with the 4mm² series being only 10.2mm high. It accommodates various wire types like solid core, stranded, and fine stranded wires, finding wide application in junction boxes.

DINKLE

The DINKLE Group was founded in Taiwan, China, in 1983. Its main production company in mainland China, Dongguan Liyang Motor Co., Ltd., was established in 2011. The company specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of industrial terminal blocks, connectors, and related precision components, serving as a reliable supplier of basic components for automation equipment and power control systems.

· Latest Developments: Its GX series remote I/O modules are designed for complex industrial environments, offering strong anti-interference capabilities and flexible expandability. They have been successfully applied in shoe-making machinery and logistics robotics for precise equipment control and collaboration. The P-LUP pull-lever terminal (Series 0274) uses exclusive patented technology to achieve 100% tool-free wiring, offering easy operation and high stability, suitable for space-constrained and high-efficiency wiring scenarios.

WAIN

WAIN's business extends beyond connectors and cable assemblies to include complete customized harness design, production, and testing services, specializing in meeting special connection requirements in complex industrial environments.

· Latest Developments: In December, it launched the M15 quick-connect series. The housing uses a straight-plug quick-connect structure that automatically locks upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual nut rotation and significantly reducing installation time. The pins use cold-press technology, allowing the crimped cable to snap directly into the support from the side, simplifying assembly. It is widely used in servo motors, robotic arms, and other industrial automation equipment.

KEFA Electronics

Its product portfolio covers 10 major categories with over 10,000 varieties. It holds certifications like ISO9001, ISO14001, and IATF16949, ensuring production quality through standardized processes. Its products are widely used in industrial control systems, rail transportation, security, elevators, and lighting industries.

· Key Products: The company's screw-type PCB terminal blocks can connect all types of wires with cross-sections from 0.2mm² to 35mm², with pitch options from 2.5mm to 19.0mm. Its plug-in terminal blocks are used for wire diameters from 0.2mm² to 35mm².

At next year's ITES Shenzhen, these companies will showcase their latest industry solutions and equipment. Furthermore, the Industrial Control & Mechanical Transmission Technology zone within the ITES Robotics & Automation Show will also feature other connector enterprises like Wanjie Electric, Weipu Electric, Jinling Electronic, Sanming Electric, Shenglan Electric, and Rongyue Electric.

The 27th ITES Shenzhen Industrial Exhibition will be held from March 31 to April 3, 2026, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an). The event will attract over 1,500 exhibitors showcasing global advanced precision manufacturing, intelligent, and digital application innovations. You are welcome to visit! Click the button below for quick registration.