1. Background Overview: Escalation of India-Pakistan Conflict and US-China Trade Tensions
On May 6, 2025, India launched an airstrike codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine locations in Pakistan and its controlled Kashmir region. This operation was a response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists. India claimed that the airstrike targeted terrorist training camps and logistical facilities. However, Pakistan accused India of hitting civilian areas, causing at least 31 deaths, including women and children. This incident further escalated regional tensions, with both sides engaging in retaliatory military actions.
Simultaneously, US-China trade tensions continued to intensify, with the United States imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese goods, with some product tariffs reaching as high as 125%. Despite these tensions, on October 30, 2024, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected the proposal to impose anti-subsidy and anti-dumping duties on aluminum extrusions imported from multiple countries, including China. This decision was significant for the furniture and construction sectors, reducing costs and indirectly easing export pressures for Chinese aluminum window and door manufacturers.
2. Specific Impacts of the India-Pakistan Conflict on China's Aluminum Window and Door Exports
1. Disrupted Logistics and Rising Transportation Costs
The India-Pakistan conflict led to Pakistan closing its airspace, forcing shipping routes that traditionally passed through the Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz to be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This change extended shipping times by 15–20 days. According to data from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, as of May 8, container freight rates for Middle East routes surged by 65%, reaching $4,200 per FEU. Additionally, the war risk surcharge for the Suez Canal soared to $30,500 per TEU. Gwadar Port, a critical node in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, experienced a 40% drop in cargo turnover efficiency, directly impacting the transportation of goods from western Chinese aluminum factories to the Middle East and Africa.
2. Short-Term Shrinkage in Regional Market Demand
The conflict forced both India and Pakistan into a state of emergency, causing potential suspensions of infrastructure and real estate projects, which directly impacts the demand for construction materials like aluminum windows and doors. In Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, airstrikes damaged infrastructure, and while there is a need for reconstruction, short-term market purchasing power may decline due to economic instability. In India, if the conflict persists, it could lead to tightened import policies for construction materials or increased tariffs to protect domestic industries, creating barriers for Chinese aluminum window and door exports.
3. The Ongoing Impact of the US-China Trade War
The US-China trade war remains unresolved, particularly in the aluminum products sector. The 25%–30% tariffs imposed on Chinese aluminum windows and doors have pressured Chinese manufacturers. According to the latest statistics from May 2025, Chinese aluminum window and door exports to the United States declined by approximately 15%–18% year-over-year, mainly due to higher tariffs, increased logistics costs, and the resurgence of domestic production in the US. Nevertheless, demand for Chinese aluminum products in other markets—such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe—remains strong, with some companies actively exploring alternative markets to offset losses.
3. Comprehensive Evaluation: Is Chinese Aluminum Window and Door Still a Good Choice?
1. Market Size and Growth Trends
According to the latest 2025 data, the global aluminum window and door market size is projected to reach $71.6 billion, up 6.4% from $67.2 billion in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region holds about 40% of the market share, mainly driven by urbanization and infrastructure investments in countries like China and India.
2. Technological Innovation and Product Upgrades
Chinese aluminum window and door manufacturers have been consistently investing in smart and energy-efficient technologies. In 2025, the market penetration rate of smart windows and doors is expected to reach 15%, reflecting a 5% increase from 2023. These windows integrate sensors, voice control, and facial recognition, allowing them to automatically adjust based on environmental changes, enhancing residential comfort. Additionally, multifunctional products (such as anti-theft, soundproofing, ventilation, and dustproofing) now account for 40% of the market share, meeting consumers’ diverse needs for safety and comfort.
3. Application of Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly Materials
In response to China’s “dual carbon” strategy, window and door manufacturers have increased R&D investments in green and energy-efficient technologies. For example, the UPVC aluminum-plastic window systems launched by Fuxuan Full House Windows adopt patented designs with non-thermal bridge inserts, achieving a U-value (K-value) as low as 0.79, meeting passive house standards. Additionally, graphene composite materials have improved structural strength by 40%, and Low-E glass has boosted energy efficiency by 30%, significantly enhancing insulation and energy-saving performance.
4. Customization and Flexible Production
As demand for personalized home designs rises, window and door manufacturers are accelerating the development of customized products. In 2025, the customized window and door market size is expected to reach 35 billion RMB, with an online conversion rate of 18%. To meet the demand for small-batch, multi-variety customization, companies have introduced flexible production lines, shortening delivery cycles to five days, improving production efficiency and customer satisfaction.
5. Digital Transformation and Service Upgrades
Window and door manufacturers are optimizing design, construction, and after-sales services through digital management systems. For example, Fuxuan’s “Xuan Manager 2.0 System” enhances design optimization, improves construction transparency, and strengthens installation quality control, fully addressing user concerns like poor design, delayed construction, and lack of after-sales support. Furthermore, AI quality inspection technology has achieved an accuracy rate of 99.6%, significantly boosting product quality control.
6. Global Expansion and Brand Internationalization
Amidst global market challenges, Chinese window and door manufacturers are accelerating their internationalization strategies. Deji Youpin Windows announced at its tenth-anniversary event that it would expedite its “Brand Globalization Plan,” targeting Southeast Asia and Europe. The company aims to transform from a “window and door supplier” to a “lifestyle leader.” Additionally, by establishing overseas production bases and localized service centers, they have enhanced response times and service quality in foreign markets.
4. Popular Aluminum Window and Door Types
| Type | Features | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|
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Wide opening angle, excellent sealing |
Residential homes, villas |
|
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Space-saving, easy to operate |
Apartments, high-rise buildings |
|
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Ventilation during rain, wind-resistant |
Commercial offices |
|
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Tilt & Turn Window |
Multiple opening modes, high security |
High-end residences |
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Wide opening, strong transparency |
Sunrooms, villas |
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Louvered Window |
Balances privacy and ventilation |
Industrial plants, courtyards |
|
Simplest structure, lowest cost |
Large-area curtain walls |
5. Conclusion
The US-China trade war and the India-Pakistan conflict have undeniably exerted pressure on Chinese aluminum window and door exports. However, China’s strong performance in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, coupled with continuous product innovations and technical upgrades, has enabled the sector to maintain steady growth. Through technological advancements, product diversification, and global market expansion, Chinese aluminum window and door manufacturers continue to hold strong competitiveness in the international market.