Carbon Fiber Market Size Report | Growth Overview 2028

Carbon Fiber Market Size and Forecasts (2022 - 2028), Global and Regional Growth Opportunity Analysis

Publication Month : Apr 2023

  • Report Code : TIPRE00002830
  • Category : Chemicals and Materials
  • Status : Published
  • No. of Pages : 201
Inquire Before Buy

PRICING

$4550

$3640

[Research Report] The carbon fiber market was valued US$ 3,457.74 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 5,605.57 million by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2028.

MARKET INSIGHTS AND ANALYST VIEW

Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength material composed of thin, strong fibers made primarily of carbon atoms. These fibers are tightly woven to form a fabric-like structure that can be further reinforced with a polymer resin to create carbon fiber composites. Carbon fiber possesses remarkable mechanical strength, stiffness, and resistance to heat and chemicals. They are significantly lighter than materials like steel or aluminum while offering similar or superior strength. This makes carbon fiber sought-after material in applications where weight reduction is crucial such as aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and industrial sectors. The carbon fiber market is expected to continue growing as industries across various sectors increasingly adopt carbon fiber composites for their products, driven by the need for lightweight, durable, and energy-efficient materials. Products derived from recycled carbon fibers can positively impact the carbon fiber market size by contributing to its growth and expanding its applications with cost reduction, sustainability & environmental benefits, and performance & quality. Carbon fiber is widely used as a molding compound construction pressure vessel. Technological advancements in carbon fiber manufacturing processes, increasing adoption of these advanced technologies by carbon fiber manufacturers, and the development of cost-effective production techniques are also likely to contribute to the market’s expansion.  

KEY INSIGHTS

Carbon fiber market is valued US$ 3,326.17 million in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 8.3% during the forecast period 2022 - 2028, forecasted to be valued at around US$ 5,809.15 million in the year 2028.

Customize Research To Suit Your Requirement

We can optimize and tailor the analysis and scope which is unmet through our standard offerings. This flexibility will help you gain the exact information needed for your business planning and decision making.

Carbon Fiber Market: Strategic Insights

carbon-fiber-market
Market Size Value inUS$ 3,457.74 million in 2022
Market Size Value byUS$ 5,605.57 million by 2028
Growth rateCAGR of 8.3% from 2022 to 2028
Forecast Period2022-2028
Base Year2022
Analyst Image

Shejal

Have a question?

Shejal will walk you through a 15-minute call to present the report’s content and answer all queries if you have any.

Analyst Image  Speak to Analyst

GROWTH DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES

The carbon fiber market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as growing demand from the aerospace, automotive, wind energy, sports & leisure, and construction industries. The unique properties of carbon fiber make it valuable in numerous industries. Carbon fiber is widely used in these industries due to its desirable properties and ability to replace traditional materials such as steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. It is extensively used in aerospace for manufacturing aircraft components, including wings, fuselages, and interior parts; in automotive for lightweight car parts, in sports equipment for bicycles, tennis rackets, and more; and in industrial applications where strength, corrosion resistance, and durability are vital. Carbon fiber’s lightweight nature enables improved fuel efficiency in transportation, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries. As governments worldwide emphasize energy conservation and stricter environmental regulations, the demand for carbon fiber in industries seeking sustainability solutions continues to rise. All these factors are driving the carbon fiber market growth.

However, carbon fiber is relatively expensive to produce compared to other materials, which limits its widespread adoption. Carbon fiber production involves complex manufacturing processes, including precursor synthesis, stabilization, carbonization, and post-treatment. These processes contribute to the high cost of carbon fiber, making it more expensive compared to traditional materials. This factor restrained the carbon fiber market growth. 

REPORT SEGMENTATION AND SCOPE

On the basis of raw material, the carbon fiber market is bifurcated into polyacrylonitrile-based and pitch-based. Based on application, the carbon fiber market is segmented into composite materials, microelectrodes, and others. In terms of the end-use industry, the carbon fiber market is divided into automotive, aerospace & defense, building & construction, sporting goods, wind energy, textiles, marine, and others. Based on geography, the carbon fiber market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South & Central America.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

On the basis of raw material, the carbon fiber market is bifurcated into polyacrylonitrile-based and pitch-based. In 2022 the polyacrylonitrile-based segment accounted for the largest market share. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber offers excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and stiffness. It provides a high strength to weight ratio, making it suitable for various high-performance applications where lightweight and high strength is critical. The aerospace and automotive industries are significant application industries for polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber. Carbon fiber composites derived from polyacrylonitrile-based fibers are widely used in the aerospace sector to manufacture aircraft components, and in the automotive industry, they are used to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy.

Based on application, the carbon fiber market is segmented into composite materials, microelectrodes, and others. The composite materials segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The lightweight nature of carbon fiber composites helps reduce the weight of vehicles and aircraft. This, in turn, leads to improved fuel efficiency and energy savings. As industries strive to meet stricter emission regulations and enhance energy efficiency, the demand for carbon fiber composites continues to grow. Composites can offer unique performance characteristics that are not easily achievable with other materials. They possess excellent fatigue resistance, impact resistance, and vibration-damping properties. Composites can also exhibit tailored electrical conductivity, thermal insulation, and fire resistance properties, making them valuable in applications that require specific performance requirements.

In terms of the end-use industry, the carbon fiber market is divided into automotive, aerospace & defense, building & construction, sporting goods, wind energy, textiles, marine, and others. In 2022, the automotive segment held the largest market share. Carbon fiber is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. By incorporating carbon fiber composites into the construction of vehicles, manufacturers can significantly reduce weight compared to traditional materials like steel or aluminum. Lighter vehicles consume less fuel, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, which aligns with the industry’s focus on sustainability and regulatory requirements.

Global Carbon Fiber Market, by Application – 2021 and 2028

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The carbon fiber market is segmented into five main regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South & Central America. Asia Pacific region was estimated to be around US$ 1,500 million in 2022. Asia Pacific region is a significant hub for automotive manufacturing, with countries like China, Japan, India, and South Korea leading the production. As the demand for lightweight vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) rises in the region, carbon fiber is increasingly being adopted to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance EV range. The automotive industry’s expansion in the region is driving the demand for carbon fiber materials.

Furthermore, the North America region is estimated to register a CAGR of approximately 8% during the forecast period. North America is home to a robust aerospace industry, with major aircraft manufacturers and suppliers based in the region. Carbon fiber composites are extensively used in aerospace applications due to their high strength, lightweight nature, and excellent fatigue resistance. As the aerospace sector in North America continues to grow, driven by factors such as increased air travel and the demand for fuel-efficient aircraft, the demand for carbon fiber materials in this industry is also increasing.

Europe is forecasted to be valued at around US$ 1,300 million in 2028. Europe has been a frontrunner in renewable energy generation, particularly in wind power. Carbon fiber is extensively used in manufacturing wind turbines due to its high strength, lightweight nature, and excellent fatigue resistance. The growing installation of wind farms and the need for larger and more efficient turbine blades have led to an increased demand for carbon fiber in the renewable energy sector. In addition, the European automotive industry is actively working towards reducing vehicle weight to meet stringent emission regulations and improve fuel efficiency. Governments and regulatory bodies in Europe are pushing for lower carbon emissions and promoting the adoption of lightweight materials like carbon fiber in vehicle manufacturing. These factors are creating a favorable environment for the carbon fiber market growth in Europe.

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Various strategies and developments taken by the key operating in the global carbon fiber market. Some of the recent developments are mentioned below.

  • In April 2023, SGL Carbon launched SIGRAFIL 50k carbon fiber. The new SIGRAFIL C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber will match the high strength requirements for common pressure vessel designs and exhibits a high elongation capacity. It also enables further applications in market segments that require high strength and elongation.
  • In August 2022, Vartega – a recycler of carbon fiber and composite materials – is expanding its footprint and is increasing production capacity 10X from its current facility in Golden, CO. Vartega’s new 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility and headquarters will be located in Building 2 of the recently completed Pecos Logistics Park (owned by institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives) in Denver, CO.
  • In May 2021, Braskem, the polyolefins producer in the Americas and producer of biopolymers, announced its partnership with Vartega Inc., a recycler of advanced materials, including carbon fiber reinforced plastics, for a 3D Printing Filament Recycling Program.
  • In January 2020, Sigmatex, a designer and manufacturer of carbon fiber textiles for the composites industry, announced the launch of a recycled carbon fiber non-woven fabric to the market. Sigmatex has developed a process that enables the capture and reprocessing of its internal waste streams, as well as those of its customers, in the most energy-efficient way.
  • In July 2022, Hexcel and Dassault bonded together to supply carbon fiber prepreg for the Falcon 10x program.

COVID IMPACT

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for carbon fiber was mainly driven by the aerospace, automobile, building & construction, and wind energy industries. However, in 2020, various industries had to slow down their operations due to disruptions in supply chain caused by the shutdown of national and international boundaries. The pandemic led to social restrictions and severe economic impact, hampering carbon fiber manufacturing and distribution. The decline in the growth of the automotive industry significantly impacted the carbon fiber market growth. The global automotive industry was severely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Major players in the carbon fiber market were highly affected due to the pandemic. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic also led to a dramatic decline in automotive sales. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the global sales of all types of vehicles decreased from 91,227 million in 2019 to 78,774 million in 2020. This negatively impacted the demand for carbon fiber.

In 2021, the economies started reviving their operations, and various industries resumed business activities. As a result, several industries, including the automotive industry, witnessed a recovery in their operations. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the global sales of all types of vehicles grew from 77.6 million in 2020 to 85.0 million in 2022. Thus, increased sales of vehicles increased demand for vehicle components, which bolstered the demand for carbon fiber. The recovery of aerospace and automotive industries is driving the carbon fiber market growth.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE AND KEY COMPANIES

Partnership, acquisitions and new product launches were found to be the major strategies adopted by the players operating in the global carbon fiber market. Some of the key players operating in the carbon fiber market include, SGL Carbon SE, DowAksa Advanced Composite Material Industries Ltd Co, Formosa Plastics Corp, Hexcel Corp, Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp, Kureha Corp, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, Solvay SA, Teijin Ltd, and Toray Industries Inc.

Report Coverage
Report Coverage

Revenue forecast, Company Analysis, Industry landscape, Growth factors, and Trends

Segment Covered
Segment Covered

Raw Material, Application, and End-Use Industry

Regional Scope
Regional Scope

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America

Country Scope
Country Scope

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Frequently Asked Questions


Can you list some of the major players operating in the global carbon fiber market?

The major players operating in the global carbon fiber market are SGL Carbon SE, DowAksa Advanced Composite Material Industries Ltd Co, Formosa Plastics Corp, Hexcel Corp, Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp, Kureha Corp, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, Solvay SA, Teijin Ltd, and Toray Industries Inc.

What is the largest region of the global carbon fiber market?

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global carbon fiber market. the growth of automotive sector with surging demand for electric vehicles in the region is also providing strong growth potential to the carbon fiber market. According to the China Passenger Car Association, Tesla Inc delivered 83,135 made-in-China electric vehicles in 2022. Further, the rising demand for carbon fiber across the regions sporting goods industry to manufacture lightweight and high-performance sporting equipment is also expected to further drive the market growth over the forecast period.

What are the key drivers for the growth of the global carbon fiber market?

Rising demand for carbon fiber in wind energy industry driving global carbon fiber market. Growing demand to utilize renewable resources has led to a surge in the installation and demand for wind farms, with large tracts of land and coastal areas devoted to the operation of wind turbines. Wind turbine manufacturers strive to produce more efficient and longer blades that lighter in weight. Advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber are widely used in wind turbines, specifically for manufacturing blades. The companies operating in the market have discovered that the longer the blades are on a turbine, the more energy can be generated. Carbon fiber plays a very important role in the wind energy industry.

What are the opportunities for carbon fiber in the global market?

Increasing usage of carbon fiber in the sporting goods Industry is anticipated lucrative opportunities for the growth of the carbon fiber market. The high-strength, modulus, and light-weight characteristics of carbon fiber have led to rising demand from the sporting goods manufacturing industry. Sporting goods such as golf shafts, racquets, skis, snowboards, hockey sticks, fishing rods, bats, and bicycles are manufactured using carbon fiber. Carbon fiber provides design flexibility to achieve precise shape of sporting equipment, which is critical to its performance. Carbon fiber helps to enhance the performance of bikers and golfers. The most specific use of carbon fiber in the sporting equipment is seen in the tennis racket. Players can hit faster ball with the lighter racket and control the ball better with a larger area of the racket. The increasing demand for carbon fiber-based sporting equipment provides a lucrative market opportunity for key and new market players.

Based on the application, which segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period?

Based on the application, composite materials segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Carbon fibers are widely used to reinforce composite materials. Composites are usually made from polymer matrix that is reinforced with an engineered, man-made, or natural fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and aramid fibers. Carbon fibers provide excellent mechanical and tensile strength to the composite materials. They also enhance the thermal as chemical stability as well as thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites. Carbon-fiber reinforced composites are widely used across the aerospace, automotive, marine, wind energy, and building and construction industries owing to their lightweight and high flexibility.

Based on the raw material, why is the polyacrylonitrile-based segment have the largest revenue share?

Based on raw material, polyacrylonitrile-based segment has largest revenue because, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) contains ~68% of carbon and is one of the most widely used precursors in carbon fiber manufacturing. PAN is polymerized from acrylonitrile (AN) by the commonly used, inhibitory azo compounds and peroxides through the polymerization process. Suspension polymerization and solution polymerization are the two major types of this process. The solution polymerization is the preferred method as the PAN solution that is produced can be directly used as a fiber spinning dope on the removal of unreacted monomers. To produce PAN with higher molecular weights, the solvent needs to have a low chain transfer coefficient. The most commonly used solvents in this process are sodium thiocyanate, zinc chloride, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

The List of Companies - Carbon Fiber Market 

  1. SGL Carbon SE
  2. DowAksa Advanced Composite Material Industries Ltd Co
  3. Formosa Plastics Corp
  4. Hexcel Corp
  5. Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp
  6. Kureha Corp
  7. Mitsubishi Chemical Corp
  8. Solvay SA
  9. Teijin Ltd
  10. Toray Industries Inc.

The Insight Partners performs research in 4 major stages: Data Collection & Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analysis and Data Triangulation & Final Review.

  1. Data Collection and Secondary Research:

As a market research and consulting firm operating from a decade, we have published many reports and advised several clients across the globe. First step for any study will start with an assessment of currently available data and insights from existing reports. Further, historical and current market information is collected from Investor Presentations, Annual Reports, SEC Filings, etc., and other information related to company’s performance and market positioning are gathered from Paid Databases (Factiva, Hoovers, and Reuters) and various other publications available in public domain.

Several associations trade associates, technical forums, institutes, societies and organizations are accessed to gain technical as well as market related insights through their publications such as research papers, blogs and press releases related to the studies are referred to get cues about the market. Further, white papers, journals, magazines, and other news articles published in the last 3 years are scrutinized and analyzed to understand the current market trends.

  1. Primary Research:

The primarily interview analysis comprise of data obtained from industry participants interview and answers to survey questions gathered by in-house primary team.

For primary research, interviews are conducted with industry experts/CEOs/Marketing Managers/Sales Managers/VPs/Subject Matter Experts from both demand and supply side to get a 360-degree view of the market. The primary team conducts several interviews based on the complexity of the markets to understand the various market trends and dynamics which makes research more credible and precise.

A typical research interview fulfils the following functions:

  • Provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook
  • Validates and strengthens in-house secondary research findings
  • Develops the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding

Primary research involves email interactions and telephone interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:

  • Industry participants: VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
  • Outside experts: Valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the electronics and semiconductor industry.

Below is the breakup of our primary respondents by company, designation, and region:

Research Methodology

Once we receive the confirmation from primary research sources or primary respondents, we finalize the base year market estimation and forecast the data as per the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors assessed during data collection.

  1. Data Analysis:

Once data is validated through both secondary as well as primary respondents, we finalize the market estimations by hypothesis formulation and factor analysis at regional and country level.

  • 3.1 Macro-Economic Factor Analysis:

We analyse macroeconomic indicators such the gross domestic product (GDP), increase in the demand for goods and services across industries, technological advancement, regional economic growth, governmental policies, the influence of COVID-19, PEST analysis, and other aspects. This analysis aids in setting benchmarks for various nations/regions and approximating market splits. Additionally, the general trend of the aforementioned components aid in determining the market's development possibilities.

  • 3.2 Country Level Data:

Various factors that are especially aligned to the country are taken into account to determine the market size for a certain area and country, including the presence of vendors, such as headquarters and offices, the country's GDP, demand patterns, and industry growth. To comprehend the market dynamics for the nation, a number of growth variables, inhibitors, application areas, and current market trends are researched. The aforementioned elements aid in determining the country's overall market's growth potential.

  • 3.3 Company Profile:

The “Table of Contents” is formulated by listing and analyzing more than 25 - 30 companies operating in the market ecosystem across geographies. However, we profile only 10 companies as a standard practice in our syndicate reports. These 10 companies comprise leading, emerging, and regional players. Nonetheless, our analysis is not restricted to the 10 listed companies, we also analyze other companies present in the market to develop a holistic view and understand the prevailing trends. The “Company Profiles” section in the report covers key facts, business description, products & services, financial information, SWOT analysis, and key developments. The financial information presented is extracted from the annual reports and official documents of the publicly listed companies. Upon collecting the information for the sections of respective companies, we verify them via various primary sources and then compile the data in respective company profiles. The company level information helps us in deriving the base number as well as in forecasting the market size.

  • 3.4 Developing Base Number:

Aggregation of sales statistics (2020-2022) and macro-economic factor, and other secondary and primary research insights are utilized to arrive at base number and related market shares for 2022. The data gaps are identified in this step and relevant market data is analyzed, collected from paid primary interviews or databases. On finalizing the base year market size, forecasts are developed on the basis of macro-economic, industry and market growth factors and company level analysis.

  1. Data Triangulation and Final Review:

The market findings and base year market size calculations are validated from supply as well as demand side. Demand side validations are based on macro-economic factor analysis and benchmarks for respective regions and countries. In case of supply side validations, revenues of major companies are estimated (in case not available) based on industry benchmark, approximate number of employees, product portfolio, and primary interviews revenues are gathered. Further revenue from target product/service segment is assessed to avoid overshooting of market statistics. In case of heavy deviations between supply and demand side values, all thes steps are repeated to achieve synchronization.

We follow an iterative model, wherein we share our research findings with Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) until consensus view of the market is not formulated – this model negates any drastic deviation in the opinions of experts. Only validated and universally acceptable research findings are quoted in our reports.

We have important check points that we use to validate our research findings – which we call – data triangulation, where we validate the information, we generate from secondary sources with primary interviews and then we re-validate with our internal data bases and Subject matter experts. This comprehensive model enables us to deliver high quality, reliable data in shortest possible time.

Your data will never be shared with third parties, however, we may send you information from time to time about our products that may be of interest to you. By submitting your details, you agree to be contacted by us. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

Trends and growth analysis reports related to Carbon Fiber Market