ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) is an overhead transmission conductor consisting of aluminum strands wrapped around a galvanized steel core. The outer aluminum strands carry the electrical current, leveraging aluminum's good conductivity, light weight, and corrosion resistance. The inner steel core provides mechanical strength, helping support the conductor's own weight and withstand wind and ice loads. Due to the skin effect, AC current concentrates in the outer layer of the conductor, so the inner steel core's poor conductivity is not a drawback, while its tensile strength contribution is significant. This structure gives ACSR both good electrical performance and high mechanical strength, making it the mainstream choice for overhead transmission and distribution lines at various voltage levels.
In terms of product standards, ACSR production and acceptance are primarily governed by ASTM B232/B232M, IEC 61089, and GB/T 1179. By steel core coating type, ACSR can be classified into galvanized steel core, Zn-5%Al-MM coated steel core, and aluminum-clad steel core, with different corrosion protection grades suited to different atmospheric environments. Aluminum wires typically use 1350-H19 or 1370-H19 grades, with conductivity not less than 61% IACS and a long-term allowable operating temperature of 70°C.
In terms of export markets, China's ACSR exports reached 16,011 tons in June 2026, up 17.5% month-on-month, with destinations covering 58 countries and regions. Saudi Arabia ranked first with 5,371 tons (33.5% share), and the top ten destinations accounted for 89.8% of total exports, indicating high concentration. Looking at the full-year trend, ACSR exports remain dominated by the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia where grid construction is active, with steady demand from markets such as Saudi Arabia and Tanzania, while new increments are beginning to emerge in Europe and Latin America.