Chairman’s Update – Building on Success and Driving Forward

Dear Members, Industry Partners and Colleagues,

As we move into the final quarter of 2025, I am pleased to share an update following what has been a particularly successful and energising few months for the IWMA and the wider wire and cable community.

Since the last edition of IWMA Insider, we’ve returned from wire Southeast Asia 2025, where the IWMA once again demonstrated its strength as a global connector for our industry. Throughout the show, our stand welcomed a constant stream of visitors, longtime members and new, and proudly housed eight member companies within the IWMA Pavilion. Our seminar day, “Connecting Innovation: Driving Growth”, drew a strong audience and generated meaningful discussions on market direction, technology, and future opportunities across the ASEAN region. The true highlight, however, was our networking evening at Cielo SkyBar – an unforgettable event where over 100 members gathered against the backdrop of stunning city views. The weather held beautifully, and the night was filled with great food, entertainment, and even better company. It perfectly captured what IWMA does best: bringing people together.

From our conversations in Bangkok and the market analysis shared by Chenfei Wang, Head of Wire and Cable at CRU, it’s clear that the global wire and cable industry is entering a period of renewed confidence. CRU forecasts that world cable consumption will grow by 2.8% in 2025, reaching nearly 23.6 million tonnes of conductors, with Southeast Asia and South Asia identified as key mid-term growth regions. While challenges such as tariffs and protectionist trade policies persist, the fundamentals remain strong. Investment in power grid infrastructure, data connectivity, and industrial expansion are sustaining growth across Asia – even as other regions slow. India continues to post double-digit production growth, and Southeast Asia’s resilient construction and manufacturing sectors are reinforcing regional strength. Driven by electrification, digitalisation, and the green energy transition, demand for wire and cable remains essential to the world’s progress. Despite a complex global landscape, our industry is not just enduring – it is evolving and advancing.

Hot on the heels of Bangkok came the International Wire & Cable Technical Conference in Krakow. A truly memorable event hosted in collaboration with WAI, ACIMAF, and AGH University. More than 150 delegates joined us for a day packed with 27 expert presentations, insightful discussions, and invaluable networking. The week also featured a factory tour at TFKable, a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, and a gala dinner at the historic Old Tram Depot, which proved a highlight for many. The success of this conference reinforces IWMA’s commitment to delivering high-quality technical and educational events that bring real value to our members and the wider industry.

Next stop is our IWMA Dinner Dance in London on Friday 21st November, marking 50 years since the very first event in 1975. This special anniversary evening will celebrate both our proud heritage and our modern, global outlook -proving that tradition and progress truly can go hand in hand. If you haven’t already you can book tickets on the IWMA website here.

Looking ahead, excitement is already building for wire Düsseldorf 2026, now less than six months away. IWMA will once again play a major role, and we encourage members to look out for updates on our stand activities, and networking events in the coming months. We’re also inviting members to take part in the IWMA Wire Education Award 2026, which recognises and supports the next generation of talent in our industry. This unique scheme gives early-career professionals the chance to experience the wire Düsseldorf exhibition first-hand, gaining valuable insight into the technologies, innovations, and connections that shape our sector. Nominations are now open, so if your company has a bright young star making an impact, we’d love to hear from you. One of last year’s awardees has already gone on to achieve remarkable success in the industry – a testament to the value of this initiative. You can read more about his journey and submit nominations via our website here.

We are also delighted to share that the Wire & Cable Innovation Hub has now officially launched, in partnership with Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai. This exciting new initiative provides IWMA members – especially those new to the Chinese market – with a low-cost, high-visibility exhibiting opportunity within a purpose-built hub at wire China 2026. Beyond exhibition space, the hub offers sponsorship and speaking opportunities, a full technical conference programme, and two networking events. It represents a bold new step in how IWMA supports members’ international growth.

As 2025 draws to a close, our industry stands strong – adapting, advancing, and connecting across borders. Thank you to all IWMA members for your continued support and participation. Together, we are not only facing challenges but helping shape the future of the global wire and cable industry.

Warm regards,
Willibert Dautzenberg
Chairman, IWMA