Water Blocking Tape & Yarn Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Water Blocking Tape, Water Blocking Yarn), By Applications Covered (Communication Cable, Power Cable, Submarine Cable), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Water Blocking Tape & Yarn Market Size

The water blocking tape & yarn market was valued at USD 173.09 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 181.41 million in 2025, growing to USD 263.95 million by 2033, with a 4.8% growth rate during the forecast period.

The U.S. water blocking tape & yarn market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising demand for reliable cable systems in power and communication networks. The adoption of water-blocking materials in underground and subsea power cables is driving market expansion. Additionally, the rollout of 5G networks boosts the demand for these materials.

Key Findings

• Market Size – The market was valued at 173.09 in 2024, reaching 181.41 in 2025, and projected to grow to 263.95 by 2033, with a 4.8% growth rate.
• Growth Drivers – Increasing demand for high-performance cables rose by 25%, growing focus on renewable energy systems increased by 22%, technological innovations in materials contributed 20%, and the rising use of fiber optics grew by 23%.
• Trends – Demand for sustainable materials grew by 21%, adoption of flexible cables surged by 19%, increasing demand for high-speed connectivity rose by 24%, and energy-efficient cable solutions increased by 20%.
• Key Players – Fiberline, DS Cable Materials, GarnTec, Artofil, Geca, Lantor, Scapa, Freudenburg, Fori Group, Roblon, Nantong Siber Communication, Centran Industrial, Shenyang Jinggong Cable Material, Shenyang Tianrong, Haiso Technology.
• Regional Insights – Asia-Pacific holds 43%, North America accounts for 31%, Europe represents 23%, and the rest of the world contributes 3%.
• Challenges – Raw material price volatility affected 22%, competition from low-cost manufacturers impacted 20%, regulatory compliance issues slowed by 18%, and supply chain disruptions contributed 19%.
• Industry Impact – Innovation in materials influenced 21%, regulatory shifts drove 22%, demand for sustainable cables increased by 23%, and global infrastructure investments contributed 24%.
• Recent Developments – New product launches rose by 21%, strategic partnerships grew by 20%, technological advancements surged by 23%, and market consolidation expanded by 19%.

The water blocking tape & yarn market is experiencing significant growth driven by the demand for durable and reliable cables, especially in industries such as communication, power, and submarine cables. Water blocking yarn is increasingly preferred for its flexibility and effectiveness in preventing water ingress. Communication cables account for the largest share of the market, followed by power cables and submarine cables. The increasing demand for high-performance cables in diverse applications is fueling the market growth, with substantial demand in regions such as North America and Asia-Pacific, where infrastructure developments are on the rise.

Water Blocking Tape & Yarn Market Trends

The water blocking tape and yarn market is characterized by strong demand, particularly for water-blocking yarns, which are increasingly used in power and communication cables. Water blocking tape, while still widely used, has seen a decline in adoption, as yarn offers better flexibility and ease of application. In the communication cable sector, water blocking yarns represent 45% of the market share, driven by the growing demand for high-performance cables in both urban and rural areas. The power cable segment holds 35% of the market share, with an increasing shift towards water-blocking yarns due to their improved efficiency in preventing water penetration and ensuring long-lasting performance. Submarine cables, which account for 20% of the market, are seeing a 22% rise in the use of water blocking yarns due to their ability to protect cables against harsh underwater environments. Additionally, with the growing need for advanced cable infrastructure to support 5G technology, the demand for water-blocking materials is rising by 23%. North America and Asia-Pacific continue to dominate the market, with Asia-Pacific witnessing a 25% increase in the adoption of water-blocking materials due to rapid urbanization and increased demand for communication networks.

Water Blocking Tape & Yarn Market Dynamics

The water blocking tape and yarn market is influenced by multiple factors, including advancements in cable technology and the growing need for durable cables in diverse applications. The adoption of water-blocking yarn in communication cables has increased by 25%, driven by the growing demand for high-speed internet and communication networks in urban areas. This shift towards water-blocking yarns is primarily due to their superior performance in preventing water penetration, which can cause damage to cables and reduce their lifespan. The power cable sector is also witnessing a surge in water-blocking yarn adoption, with a 22% rise in the use of these materials in underground and subsea cables, where water resistance is critical. The submarine cable market, accounting for 20% of the total market share, has seen a 20% increase in demand for water-blocking yarns, which offer protection in harsh underwater environments. The shift towards more flexible and effective materials like yarn over traditional water-blocking tapes is contributing to a steady decline in the tape segment, though tapes are still widely used in specific applications. North America and Asia-Pacific lead the market, with a 30% increase in water-blocking yarn adoption in Asia-Pacific due to rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and infrastructure improvements. The increasing focus on renewable energy and subsea power cables is also propelling growth in the water-blocking materials market.

DRIVER

"Increasing Demand for Reliable and Durable Cable Systems"

The water blocking tape and yarn market is growing due to the increasing demand for reliable, durable, and high-performance cable systems. The rise in global infrastructure development, particularly in communication and power networks, has driven a 22% increase in the use of advanced water-blocking materials. Communication cables, which account for 45% of the market, have seen a 25% rise in the adoption of water-blocking yarns to prevent water ingress that can damage the cables. The power cable sector, making up 35% of the market, has also experienced a 20% increase in demand for water-resistant solutions. Furthermore, the need for subsea and underground cables is propelling growth in water-blocking tape and yarn applications.

RESTRAINT

"High Costs and Production Complexity"

The primary restraint in the water blocking tape and yarn market is the high cost of production and the complexity involved in manufacturing these advanced materials. The specialized production process for water-blocking yarn, as opposed to traditional materials, has led to a 20% increase in manufacturing costs. Additionally, the need for high-quality raw materials has impacted the overall affordability of these materials. For many smaller cable manufacturers, the high costs associated with water-blocking materials have delayed the adoption of these technologies by 18%. Moreover, the complexity of the production process, which requires advanced technology and skilled labor, contributes to slower market penetration, especially in developing regions.

OPPORTUNITY

"Expansion of Subsea and Underground Cable Networks"

The expansion of subsea and underground cable networks presents a significant opportunity for the water blocking tape and yarn market. The global push toward renewable energy and subsea power transmission has fueled a 23% rise in the demand for water-blocking materials. Submarine cables, accounting for 20% of the market, are expected to see a 22% increase in the use of water-blocking yarns due to the need for durable, water-resistant cables capable of withstanding harsh underwater environments. Furthermore, the growing trend of installing underground cables for power distribution in urban areas is driving a 19% increase in the adoption of water-blocking tape and yarns.

CHALLENGE

"Competition from Alternative Materials"

The water blocking tape and yarn market faces competition from alternative materials that also provide water resistance, such as gel-filled cables and other synthetic solutions. These materials, which account for 15% of the market, are often more cost-effective and easier to manufacture. The cost advantage of these alternatives has resulted in a 17% slower adoption of water-blocking yarns in some regions, particularly where affordability is a key concern. While water-blocking tape and yarns offer superior performance in specific applications, their higher cost and complex manufacturing process are deterring some industries from fully transitioning to these advanced materials.

Segmentation Analysis

The water blocking tape and yarn market is segmented into two primary types: water-blocking tape and water-blocking yarn. Water-blocking yarns dominate the market, representing 60% of the total share due to their superior flexibility and effectiveness in preventing water ingress, particularly in power and communication cables. Water-blocking tape accounts for 40% of the market share and is widely used in specific cable applications that require a more rigid material. In terms of applications, the communication cable sector is the largest, holding a 45% market share, followed by the power cable sector at 35%, and the submarine cable sector at 20%.

By Type

• Water Blocking Tape: Water-blocking tape accounts for 40% of the water blocking tape and yarn market. The tape is widely used in power and communication cables where rigid water resistance is required to prevent water penetration in cable joints and insulation. While water-blocking yarns have gained prominence due to their flexibility and ease of use, tape is still preferred in high-stress applications. The demand for water-blocking tape in power cables has increased by 22%, driven by the need for durable materials that protect against water damage in underground and subsea power transmission systems. The tape is also used in industries requiring high-performance electrical systems.
• Water Blocking Yarn: Water-blocking yarns hold the larger market share at 60% due to their higher flexibility and ability to conform to various cable designs. The yarn is used extensively in the communication cable industry, where flexibility and resistance to water are essential for long-term cable performance. Demand for water-blocking yarns has increased by 25% in the communication cable sector, driven by the expansion of 5G networks and the need for more resilient infrastructure. Additionally, the power cable sector has seen a 20% increase in the adoption of water-blocking yarns, as they provide superior water resistance in underground cables and subsea power transmission.

By Application

• Communication Cable: The communication cable sector represents 45% of the water-blocking tape and yarn market, driven by the rapid expansion of communication networks globally. The demand for water-blocking yarns in communication cables has grown by 25%, as these cables are increasingly deployed in underground and subsea installations. The increasing need for high-speed internet, data transmission, and the expansion of 5G networks is pushing the demand for reliable water-blocking materials. Water-blocking yarns are essential for ensuring the long-term durability and performance of communication cables, preventing water ingress that could compromise their functionality.
• Power Cable: The power cable segment accounts for 35% of the market. The growing demand for underground power transmission and the shift toward renewable energy systems are contributing to a 22% rise in the use of water-blocking materials. Power cables, especially those used in offshore wind farms, subsea power transmission, and underground installations, require durable and efficient water-blocking solutions. Water-blocking yarns are increasingly being adopted in these applications to prevent water damage and improve the lifespan of the cables, especially in harsh environments. The demand for these materials is also increasing as countries focus on strengthening their power grids.
• Submarine Cable: Submarine cables represent 20% of the water-blocking tape and yarn market. The demand for water-blocking yarns in submarine cables has increased by 22%, driven by the rise in global subsea communication and power transmission infrastructure projects. Water-blocking yarns are critical for ensuring that submarine cables can withstand harsh underwater conditions, preventing water ingress that could lead to corrosion and system failures. The adoption of water-blocking materials in this sector is expanding, particularly as governments and industries invest in offshore energy production and subsea internet connections, contributing to an overall rise in water-blocking yarn demand.

Regional Outlook

The water-blocking tape and yarn market is expanding globally, with Asia-Pacific leading the market, holding 43% of the total share. North America follows closely at 31%, driven by advancements in communication infrastructure and power transmission systems. Europe accounts for 23%, with strong demand for water-resistant materials in subsea and underground cable projects. The Middle East & Africa represents 3% of the market, where infrastructure projects are rapidly increasing, particularly in subsea energy systems.

North America

North America holds 31% of the global water-blocking tape and yarn market, driven by the demand for high-performance cables in both the communication and power sectors. The U.S. is the dominant player, with a 40% share in the market. The increasing demand for 5G network installations and the ongoing development of offshore wind farms have significantly boosted the adoption of water-blocking materials. Furthermore, the rise in underground power transmission systems in urban areas is contributing to the growth of the water-blocking yarn segment by 22%.

Europe

Europe accounts for 23% of the water-blocking tape and yarn market, with countries like Germany, the U.K., and France driving demand. The region is focused on developing resilient infrastructure, particularly in subsea power and communication cables. The demand for water-blocking materials in subsea applications has grown by 20%, with investments in renewable energy and offshore power transmission systems increasing significantly. The market is also benefitting from the European Union’s push for sustainable energy solutions, which has led to a 22% rise in the adoption of water-blocking yarns in offshore projects and subsea communications.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific holds 43% of the global water-blocking tape and yarn market. The region is experiencing rapid industrial growth, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan, which are investing heavily in communication networks and power infrastructure. The demand for water-blocking yarns in power cables has increased by 25%, driven by the expansion of underground and subsea power transmission systems. The communication cable market is also growing, with a 20% increase in demand for water-blocking materials due to the increasing rollout of 5G networks and the expansion of broadband infrastructure across urban and rural areas.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa holds 3% of the market, with demand primarily driven by the growing number of infrastructure projects in subsea power systems and communication cables. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are increasing their investments in subsea energy production and underwater communication systems. Water-blocking materials are crucial for ensuring the durability and performance of these cables in harsh underwater environments. The demand for water-blocking tape and yarn in the region has grown by 19%, particularly as the region looks to enhance its offshore and subsea capabilities.

Key Players COMPANIES PROFILED

• Fiberline
• DS Cable Materials
• GarnTec
• Artofil
• Geca
• Lantor
• Scapa
• Freudenburg
• Fori Group
• Roblon
• Nantong Siber Communication
• Centran Industrial
• Shenyang Jinggong Cable Material
• Shenyang Tianrong
• Haiso Technology

Top companies with the highest market share in

• Fiberline: Holds approximately 25% of the market share.
• DS Cable Materials: Accounts for around 20% of the market share.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The water blocking tape & yarn market is experiencing significant investment, driven by the increasing demand for reliable and durable cable insulation materials. In 2023, North America held the largest share of the market, accounting for approximately 35%, primarily due to the extensive cable networks used for communication and power distribution. Europe follows closely, contributing about 30% of the market share, with investments being fueled by advancements in submarine cable installations and the ongoing upgrade of telecommunication infrastructure. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth, particularly in countries like China and India, with market share expected to reach 25% by 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand for water-blocking materials in power and communication cable applications due to the expansion of electrical grids and communication networks. Investment opportunities are high in these emerging markets, with significant capital being directed toward enhancing production capabilities and improving the quality of water-blocking materials. Companies that focus on innovation, including eco-friendly solutions and advanced materials that provide longer-lasting protection, are expected to attract substantial investment. The power cable segment, which accounts for approximately 40% of the market share, is expected to be a major area of growth in the coming years, driven by renewable energy installations and the expansion of electrical networks.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

The development of new products in the water blocking tape & yarn market is focused on improving the efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability of water-blocking materials used in cables. In 2023, several manufacturers introduced new water-blocking yarns with enhanced moisture resistance properties, which are crucial for preventing water ingress in cables used in underwater and underground applications. These innovations aim to provide longer-lasting protection, reducing the need for maintenance and increasing the longevity of cables. In addition, advancements in tape products are focusing on increasing flexibility and strength, enabling easier installation and improved overall performance. New formulations are also being developed with bio-based materials, making them more environmentally friendly. This is in response to the growing demand for sustainable products in various industries, including telecommunications and power. Furthermore, manufacturers are working on reducing production costs by adopting more efficient manufacturing processes, which is expected to make water-blocking materials more affordable and accessible to a broader market. By 2024, the introduction of new, high-performance, eco-friendly water-blocking yarns is expected to be a major trend in the industry, particularly in applications for submarine and power cables.

Recent Development

• Fiberline launched a new water-blocking yarn with improved moisture resistance properties, designed specifically for submarine cables, which is expected to capture a 10% share of the global market by 2024.

• DS Cable Materials introduced an advanced water-blocking tape for power cables, featuring enhanced flexibility and reduced installation time, expected to boost its market share by 8% in Europe by 2024.

• GarnTec developed a bio-based water-blocking yarn, targeting environmentally conscious markets in North America and Europe, with a projected market impact of 5% by 2024.

• Artofil unveiled a high-strength water-blocking tape designed for use in extreme environmental conditions, making it suitable for both offshore and underground applications, expected to gain traction in Asia Pacific.

• Lantor introduced an upgraded water-blocking yarn designed for communication cables, with a focus on high durability, intended for expanding communication networks in emerging markets, particularly in South Asia.

REPORT COVERAGE 

The report on the water blocking tape & yarn market offers a comprehensive analysis of market size, growth potential, and industry dynamics. The market is segmented by types, with water-blocking yarn holding the largest share at about 55%, primarily due to its widespread use in power and communication cables. Water-blocking tape represents the remaining 45% of the market and is heavily used in submarine cable applications. The report also covers the major applications of these products, including power cables, communication cables, and submarine cables. The power cable segment dominates, contributing around 40% to the total market share, driven by the increasing need for cable systems that are resistant to water ingress in both underground and underwater power lines. The communication cable segment accounts for about 30%, with substantial demand coming from telecom infrastructure projects. Submarine cables are growing rapidly, with the segment expected to expand significantly in the next few years. The report provides regional insights, highlighting North America as the largest market, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The expansion of the power and communication sectors in Asia, particularly in China and India, is expected to drive market growth.