U.S. manufacturers of fiber optic equipment continue to be major competitors in the world markets for these products. U.S. producers account for approximately half of the total worldwide production of optical fiber and cable. In active components for fiber optic transmission systems (transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, and related components), U.S. firms are beginning to recapture some of the market share previously lost to foreign competitors. This article provides a brief overview of the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in the global marker for fiber optic equipment, with particular focus on European and Japanese competitors.