Welding Consumables Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Stick Electrodes, Solid Wires, Flux-cored Wires, and SAW Wires & Fluxes), By Welding Technique (Arc Welding, Resistance Welding, Oxy-fuel Welding, Solid State Welding, and Others (Electron Beam Welding)), By Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Heavy Engineering, Railway & Shipbuilding, Oil & Gas, and Others (Aerospace)), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global welding consumables market size was valued at USD 12.61 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 12.98 billion in 2023 to USD 17.66 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.

Welding consumables are flux and filler metals used during the welding process. Filler metals are melted to form a strong bond between two metals while flux prevents heated metals from oxidizing during the process. Copper, nickel, ilmenite, rutile & aluminum are some of the basic minerals used in the manufacturing of these consumables. These consumables help to ensure cost-effective welding, protect the molten weld from impurities in the air, and prevent porosity from forming in the weld pool. As a result, they are common in the construction, automotive, energy, shipbuilding, and aerospace sectors.

With an increasing tendency toward combining two different metals, the need for bespoke and novel metal designs/shapes, increased fabrication, and uses in other intensive industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, and oil & gas, the market is exploding. Furthermore, the introduction of different welding technologies, such as resistance spot and plasma welding, and the widespread implementation of robotic welding solutions are the primary drivers of market expansion.

COVID-19 IMPACT 

Disruption of Manufacturing Operations & Low Steel Demand Hampered the Market Growth

The coronavirus pandemic had a substantial impact on the labor market and the global economy as a whole, radically changing the dynamics of manufacturing and other industries. Due to lockdowns, travel bans, and company closures, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected economies and businesses in a number of nations. The manufacturing industries experienced substantial disruptions such as supply chain disruptions, technology event cancellations, and workplace closures.

China, the pandemic's epicenter and key industrial base, significantly delayed global corporate operations and led to disruptions in regional and global value chains. The market collapse caused by COVID-19 due to factory closures, supply chain disruptions, and the global economic downturn also impacted market growth and expansion.

Additionally, the consumables industry for welding is also facing some major disruption in their business and manufacturing operations. According to the American Iron & Steel Institute Data, the U.S. steel mills reduced production, and they worked at roughly 50% capacity, compared to 80% in the previous year. Whereas steel output in Europe decreased by 50% due to lack of new orders, decreasing by roughly 75%.

Furthermore, the fabrication industry also experienced a downturn, such as total production unit shutdowns, construction project delays or cancellations, and a shortage of trained welders on the worksite.

LATEST TRENDS

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Utilization of Smart Materials in the Welding Industry to Bolster Market Growth 

Energy-efficient and ecologically friendly "smart" materials are gaining traction in the market. There is a growing understanding of how materials perform at the atomic level to combine two dissimilar metals without compromising their strength, corrosion resistance, or other performance properties. Additionally, the smart material has an embedded computer chip to track weld life and provide a multi-functional design.

Additionally, incorporating such materials consumes less energy and reduces pre- and post-heating processes. Manufacturers, product designers, and welders benefit from integrating such technology to improve the entire manufacturing cycle.

Hence, the increasing consumption of smart resources is further contributing to the welding consumables market growth across the globe.

DRIVING FACTORS

Multiple Applications of Welding Technology and Demand from the Automotive Industry are Fueling Market Growth

Welding has progressed significantly in recent years as one of the most fundamental and adaptable ways of constructing metals. Additionally, it is a widely utilized metal manufacturing method in a variety of sectors.

• For instance, welding is an important procedure in the construction of buildings, bridges, and pipelines as well as a variety of other engineering objects.

The automotive industry is continuously increasing the application of welding fabrication in the manufacturing procedures over the recent past. Robust joints, more flexible and pliant structure, and effective increment in the structural quality of the welded frameworks are attracting the automotive manufacturers toward welding procedures. The established global automotive manufacturers are making investments to establish and initiate operations from welding workshops established in various locations.

Against this backdrop, the market is poised for excellent growth, with some high-potential areas experiencing increased government investment in infrastructure construction. Furthermore, the market is further utilized in the automotive industry to create lightweight, high-quality car parts. Due to improvements in vehicle safety features and the development of automobile designs, this industry has strengthened its position in the market. Similarly, in growing countries, such as China, India, and South Africa, the launch of various development and housing projects has given the construction sector a boost.

However, the energy sector is likely to benefit from rising demand for renewable energy plant capacity, including solar and wind farms. The construction of pipe systems will also help in the growth of the market over the forecast period. Hence, industrialization, urbanization, growing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), and technical improvements are some of the main factors driving market expansion.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Volatility in Supply of Raw Materials to Hinder Market Growth

Raw material price inconsistency is a key issue restricting the growth of the industry. Steel, aluminum, graphite, iron, and a variety of other raw materials are used to make these consumables. In addition, changes in trade rules, imbalances in the supply and demand ecology, volatility in foreign currency rates, and heightened geopolitical threats are all contributing to price fluctuations in these resources. This has a negative influence on manufacturers and affects the cost of consumables manufacturing, forcing manufacturers to cut profit margins to remain competitive in the global market. Apart from that, the industry is being restrained by an increase in workplace accidents due to a scarcity of competent welders.

Furthermore, the welding consumables industry is facing challenges due to the retirement of experienced personnel and a shortage of competent people. Welding-intensive businesses, such as heavy engineering, automotive, and construction, are suffering as a result of this predicament. The scarcity of competent welders has ramifications in other industries. As a result, these constraints are posing challenges to the welding industry and limiting the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Solid Wires Segment Holds Major Share Due to Increasing Utilization in Various Applications

Based on type, the market is classified into solid wires, flux-cored wires, stick electrodes, and SAW wires & fluxes.

The solid wires segment is estimated to have dominant welding consumables market share. This wire is expected to be the first choice for new entrants due to its high deposition rate, efficiency of work execution, and production of clean and strong welds. Solid wires are frequently used in many end-user industries for Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. The welding consumables industry is now focusing on simple and cost-effective welding solutions to protect work pieces from the external environment. A single line plays an important role as it prevents oxidation; the mild steel solid wire is plated with copper, which improves conductivity and extends the life of the weldment.

Furthermore, the flux-cored wires segment is anticipated to develop with a promising pace owing to the increased demand from several end-use industries. In addition, the increasing preference for cored wires in the construction and shipbuilding industries is expected to increase the global demand for these wires.

Moreover, stick electrodes are intended for use in welding operations involving mild and low alloy steel due to their inexpensive cost and a wide range of uses in end-use industries, and thus they are favored over other consumables.

The acceptance of SAW wires & fluxes is projected to increase attributed to their properties that allow the welding to withstand high temperatures, resist corrosion, and high-thickness materials.

By Welding Technique Analysis

Arc Welding to Have Substantial Growth due to Rising Smart Factories and Industry 4.0

Based on welding technique, the market is further categorized into arc welding, resistance welding, oxy-fuel welding, solid state welding, and others (electron beam welding).

The obvious advantage provided by the arc welding across multiple end-use industries is increasing the viability of the welding application in automotive, heavy engineering, and overall manufacturing industry. The prominence of the robotic arc welding in manufacturing facilities and other industries is one of the critical factors boosting the sales of welding consumables over the forecast period. The new processes will enable a better joint and help to achieve safer, lighter, eco-friendly, and stronger structures through these welds.

Moreover, the resistance welding segment witnessed a considerable rise as it involves applying force and passing of an electric current through the metal workpiece to heat and melt the area defined by the electrode and/or workpiece.

Additionally, the oxy-fuel welding segment is projected to have a remarkable increase in the upcoming years. This is owing to its utilization of fuel gases and pure oxygen to increase the flame temperature for the local melting of the workpiece.

Furthermore, the solid state welding is expected to have a sluggish growth as it includes the use of temperatures below the melting points of base materials.

By Application Analysis

Heavy Engineering Industry to Grow Moderately due to Rising Smart Factories and Industry 4.0

Based on application, the market is further divided into automotive, building & construction, heavy engineering, railway & shipbuilding, oil & gas, and others (aerospace).

Due to building of factories that are high-end, such as smart factories, Industry 4.0, broad use of robotic welding across different industries, and the evolution of new technologies, the heavy engineering segment is predicted to increase at a modest rate in the next few years.

The building & construction industry is growing fast due to government efforts for infrastructure development, restructuring of current residential and commercial projects, and increased foreign direct investment in developed and developing countries.

The automotive segment is expected to provide a considerable boost to the sales of welding consumables due to the increasing introduction of robotic, automated welding solutions offered by the established welding solution providers. Moreover, evolution and transition of automotive manufacturers into industry 4.0, landmark changes in the manufacturing facilities are collectively bolstering the growth of application of welding across the automotive sector.

Railways are expected to rise steadily in the next few years as a result of increased investment in current and new transportation projects, growing disposable income, and government measures to improve connectivity. With the growing use of two different metals in this industry, the adoption of robotic solutions to create essential portions of ships, and the rising momentum of corrosion-resistant underwater chamber welding, shipbuilding is expected to expand at a slower rate.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The report's scope comprises five major regions, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific holds the largest market share and is expected to expand at the fastest rate over the forecast period due to the presence of welding consumables companies in developed and developing countries such as China, India, and South Korea. Furthermore, the regional market is being driven by a large intake of capital and high adoption of smart technologies such as robotic welding.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), leading domestic firms in the technology, manufacturing, and construction industries are investing outside of India, which will fuel market growth in the future. For example, Larson & Turbo (L&T) is continually investing in power equipment manufacture, whereas Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) intends to sell its goods to Syria and Vietnam.

After Asia Pacific, North America is projected to lead the global market share over the forecast period. Being the pioneer in technological advancements, and huge investments in the research and development operations by the companies in this particular region is spurring market sales across North America. Moreover, most market players with promising market share across the globe have established manufacturing facilities across the North America region, making it one of the leading manufacturing hubs of the products aiding the market growth.

Europe is likely to demonstrate continuous market expansion during the forecast period due to the region's fully developed marketplaces for consumables suppliers. The European Union is taking stringent actions regarding increasing pollution levels across the region, which is resulting in producing environment-friendly products. This is leading the consumables manufacturing companies to produce efficient products that can help in reducing the pollution level in the coming future and contributing toward increasing the global market share.

The Middle East & Africa region is expected to increase significantly as a result of the rising demand for automobiles and the availability of raw resources in the region's car and transportation sectors. The government of Saudi Arabia has launched a project named Vision 2030, under which various international investors are expected to invest in several sectors, including construction, IT, logistics, tourism, and many more. This results in the market growth of welding consumables in the country, which is ultimately influencing the regional growth of the market.

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Latin America is likely to grow at a modest rate due to the adoption of modern welding technologies, the government's concentration on infrastructure development, and the expansion of large manufacturers' production facilities across the area to serve the unattended market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading Market Players are Emphasizing on Training Welders Professionally to Create a Strong Brand

Various welding groups and governmental entities are collaborating with key manufacturers to train welders with modern technology. Weld Australia, for example, is collaborating with the federal and state governments, and different Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions around the country to teach new welders and upskill existing welders.

The manufacturers are also trying to strengthen their positions in the emerging market across Asia Pacific region. The companies are striving to strengthen supply chains across those markets and are also trying to reinforce their direct customer reach to increase penetration across those geographies. Diversification of the existing product portfolio and introduction of novel equipment and consumables are identified as the organic development strategies of the market players operating in the market at a global level.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Lincoln Electric (U.S.)


• KOBE STEEL, LTD (Japan)


• ESAB (U.S.)


• CS HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (Korea)


• Hyundai Welding Co., Ltd (U.S.)


• Panasonic Corporation (U.S.)


• Fronius International GmbH (Austria)


• RME MIDDLE EAST (UAE)


• voestalpine BÖHLER Edelstahl GmbH (Austria)


• Tianjin Golden Bridge Welding Materials Group International Trading Co., Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2023: Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, which is considered as one of the prominent manufacturers of welding equipment and consumable products, has recently unveiled its Copilot collaborative welding system. This system will enable welders to achieve better quality of welding and optimize the use of consumables enabling the users to meet with augmented demand.


• May 2022: Lincoln Electric, which is engaged in development, manufacturing, and supply of welding equipment and consumables across diverse geographies, has increased diversity in its existing product portfolio by offering Hyperfill solutions into its Flux-Cored wire applications.


• February 2022: Miller Electric Mfg., which offers arc welding equipment under its brand name Miller, has recently announced that the company is venturing into a collaboration with NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research). The collaboration efforts will provide NCCER welding level 1 and 2 to integrate its augmented reality welding system.


• July 2022: Lincoln Electric, which is a U.S. based provider of welding consumables and equipment, has recently launched its newly developed Power MIG 215 MPi Multi-Process Welder. The welder is designed to have economical advantage and also does have a robust design.


• October 2021: ESAB Welding launched the new Cored Wire Welders/EM 210 MIG and EMP 210 MIG/TIG Welders/Sticks. These inverter-based power supplies are compact yet provide professional-grade power and performance for most car/truck repair and restoration, light duty manufacturing and construction, and HVAC operations.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Welding Consumables Market

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The research report offers an in-depth analysis of the industry and focuses on key factors such as leading companies, type, welding technique, and leading applications of the product. Besides, the report provides insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments.

Report Scope & Segmentation