Summary:
India’s optical fibre, fibre bundle and cable exports rose 158% year-on-year to $483 million in April–August FY27. AI infrastructure and connectivity demand support the outlook, but company-level gains depend on orders, product mix, execution, costs and export-market risks.
India’s exports of optical fibres, fibre bundles and cables increased 158% YoY to $483mn during April–August FY27, according to Ministry of Commerce and Industry trade figures. Rising demand for data centres, faster connectivity and AI-related infrastructure has expanded overseas opportunities for Indian suppliers.
The US remained India’s largest market, importing $266.7mn worth of these products and accounting for more than half of total shipments. China ranked second with $52.4mn, followed by Poland at $22.8mn and Vietnam at $22.6mn. Other notable destinations included Japan, Canada and Italy, while exports also reached the UK, Germany, Brazil, Morocco, Malaysia, the UAE and Mexico.
Although the 158% increase indicates growth in international demand, the figures cover several product categories rather than a single cable type. Therefore, the export surge should not be interpreted as equivalent revenue growth for every Indian manufacturer, as company performance varies with product mix, customers and exposure to overseas markets.
Why have India's optical fibre exports increased, and which stocks could be affected?
India’s optical fibre, fibre bundle and cable exports reportedly rose 158% year-on-year to $483 million during April–August FY27. Demand associated with data centres, AI infrastructure and connectivity expansion may create opportunities for Indian suppliers. HFCL and Sterlite Technologies are relevant companies to examine, but export growth alone does not establish that either company will deliver higher revenue or profits.
| Key point | Details |
| Export growth | 158% year-on-year |
| Export value | $483 million |
| Period | April–August FY27 |
| Largest destination | US, with $266.7 million |
| Other major destinations | China, Poland and Vietnam |
| Industry demand drivers | AI infrastructure, data centres, 5G and broadband expansion |
| Companies highlighted | HFCL and Sterlite Technologies |
| Key risks | Customer concentration, input costs, pricing, execution and trade duties |
Why AI and Data Centre Infrastructure Needs More Fibre
AI computing requires vast amounts of information to move between servers, storage systems and data centres. Fibre-optic connections handle these flows at high speeds and across long distances. New hyperscale facilities, 5G networks, broadband expansion and fibre-to-the-home projects are adding to demand for cables and connectivity equipment.
The trend extends beyond software. India can supply physical components used in global digital networks, including cables, network equipment and related hardware. The country’s wider merchandise exports also grew in April–August FY27: the Commerce Ministry reported $215.91bn, up 17.85% YoY. That broader figure is separate from the optical-fibre export total.
HFCL’s Export Orders, Q2 FY27 Results and Sector Exposure
HFCL, which manufactures telecom products including optical fibre cables, has reported new overseas orders and capacity expansion. Its investor announcements include a September 2026 long-term cable supply agreement valued at approximately $244mn and an August export order of about $54.81mn. These orders are company-specific and should not be confused with the national export figures.
HFCL’s earlier export order coverage
In Q2FY27, HFCL recorded consolidated revenue from operations of ₹2,541.79 crore, compared with ₹1,043.34 crore a year earlier. Its consolidated profit after tax increased to ₹394.22 crore from about ₹71.91 crore. Telecom products contributed ₹2,321.98 crore of quarterly segment revenue, although its turnkey contracts business reported a segment loss.
What Could This Mean for Optical Fibre and Telecom Infrastructure Stocks? Which Stocks Should Investors Track?
The export growth puts listed fibre and digital-infrastructure suppliers such as HFCL and Sterlite Technologies in focus. More orders may help manufacturers use expanded capacity and improve revenue visibility. However, export statistics alone do not establish that any listed company has won a particular contract or increased its profit.
Sterlite Technologies and data-centre fibre products
Actual results will depend on production capacity, input costs, pricing, tariffs, shipment schedules and execution. Exposure to the US also creates concentration risk if customer spending slows.
Telecom Infrastructure Sector Stocks Telecommunication Equipment Sector Stocks
China’s Anti-Dumping Duties and Other Risks
China’s decision in August 2026 to extend anti-dumping duties on certain Indian single-mode optical-fibre imports for five years remains another trade consideration. The applicable duty varies by exporter and product coverage.
