Connector products originated during World War II (starting in 1939) and were primarily used in the military-industrial sector. Following the war, with the rise of consumer electronics such as televisions and telephones, the application of connectors rapidly expanded from military use to general consumer electronics, the automotive industry, and the computer/IT sector. The development of China's connector industry is also deeply rooted in military applications; it began in the 1940s when U.S. companies invested in the production of military-grade connectors in China. When U.S. capital withdrew in 1949, some technical equipment remained, forming the foundation for the future development of China's connector industry. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s marked the initial stage of development. In the 1980s, as China implemented its "Reform and Opening-up" policy, production began to shift toward connectors for consumer electronics. In 1987, the first foreign joint venture-Shenzhen Sandu SAS Electronics Co., Ltd.-was established through the combined investment of Japan's Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (JAE), Shenzhen SEG Electronics Group, and the Shanghai No. 9 Radio Factory. Since the 1990s, connector manufacturers from around the world have relocated their production bases to China, driving rapid growth in the industry.
China's connector industry has evolved from its initial stages through a period of rapid growth to a phase characterized by technological innovation and international competition. Today, China is the world's largest connector market; in 2023, the market size reached US$29.3 billion, accounting for 30.43% of the global total-surpassing all other regions worldwide.
Fast-charging connectors, a key component of this sector, have undergone significant development and evolution in recent years. In the early days of mobile device adoption, charging connectors primarily supported slow charging. The widespread adoption of USB-C interfaces has improved the compatibility of fast-charging connectors. Meanwhile, the integration of intelligent charging management systems has enhanced the safety and stability of these connectors. Looking ahead, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, fast-charging connectors are expected to find applications across an even wider range of fields.
