Abstract: Quasi-static axial compression tests were performed to study the failure mechanisms and energy absorption characteristic of the 2D triaxially braided composite circular tubes. The effect of the braid parameters on the energy absorption characteristic was investigated. Four primary failure modes observed in the tests are frond fracture, local buckling, fragmental failure and catastrophic failure. As the braid layers increase or the braid angle decreases, the circular tubes have higher specific energy absorption (E_s) in the same fiber volume fraction. The 2D triaxially braided composite circular tubes with high E_s are very effective energy absorbers.