Stainless Steel Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Cold Rolled Flat, Hot Plate & Sheet, Cold Bars & Wire, Hot Bars & Wire Rod, and Others), By Application (Metal Products, Electrical Machinery, Engineering, Construction, Automotive Parts, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global stainless steel market size was valued at USD 205.87 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 217.59 billion in 2024 to USD 342.07 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.

Stainless steel comprises several components that fuse and form a powerful alloy. This alloy contains chromium, nitrogen, and molybdenum. Additionally, the product is eco-friendly, corrosion resistant, long-lasting, neutral alloy, strong, and infinitely recyclable. Such properties make steel a perfect choice in several industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. The rapidly growing automotive industry is fueling the product demand. Furthermore, the product's ability to resist corrosion coupled with rising manufacturing for recyclable material will further aid in propelling the market growth during the forecast timeframe.

The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted the market, causing supply chain disruption and reduced demand from key industries. However, as global economies recover, there is a notable rebound in product demand. Resumed construction activities, infrastructure projects and increased manufacturing are contributing to the market’s recovery, signaling a positive outlook for the market.

Stainless Steel Market Trends

Rising Technological Developments in Steel Due to increasing Rate of CO2 Emissions is a Prominent Trend

The growing technological advancement to make sustainable stainless steel is thriving the market growth during the forecast timeline. The megatrends such as rising mobility, urbanization, population & economic development, and increasing climate change are some of the major factors driving the market. Additionally, growing CO2 emissions globally led many steel producers to develop a sustainable choice that could be durable and may be reused at the end of their lifecycle. For instance, in December 2021, Aperam acquired ELG, an expert in super alloys and steel recycling. With this acquisition, both the companies aim to support their CO2 reduction targets and improve their environmental footprint. Hence, such factors, coupled with growing consumer preference to buy steel-based products, will create newer heights for the market to grow significantly.  

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Stainless Steel Market Growth Factors

Product Adoption to Surge as Manufacturing Industry Embraces Resilient and Versatile Metal

The manufacturing industry serves as a pivotal driver for the market due to the versatile properties of metals that meet diverse industrial needs. Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and durability make it an ideal material for the manufacture of machinery and equipment. Manufacturers use this steel for components, such as pumps, valves, and storage tanks, to ensure durability and resilience in demanding operating situations. This demand is exacerbated in industries, such as chemical processing, oil and gas, and food processing, where the corrosion-resistant properties of products are critical for preserving operating efficiency.

The building and infrastructure segments of the manufacturing industry provide major contributions to the market. Stainless steel’s aesthetic appeal, structural strength, and resilience to environmental variables make it an excellent material for architectural elements, bridges, and building components. The construction of modern urban infrastructure, including skyscrapers and bridges, frequently relies in stainless steel to ensure structural integrity and lifespan.

Rapid Growth in Automotive Industry to Boost the Product Adoption in Seatbelt Springs and Hose Clamps

The rapid growth in the automotive industry will fuel the consumption of the product. This metal is ideal for offering corrosion, high strength, and heat resistance properties. This makes it a perfect choice in various automotive parts, including seatbelt springs and hose clamps. According to the World Steel Organization, stainless steel will be common in suspension, chassis, fuel tanks, bodywork, and catalytic converters in the future. Moreover, the increasing technological advancement in the automotive industry and rising innovation in electric vehicles will contribute to product adoption. Hence, rising product demand from automobile manufacturers will fuel the stainless steel market growth.

Rising Product Consumption Due to its Characteristics in the Construction Industry to Drive the Market Growth

Increasing product consumption in the construction industry will offer lucrative opportunities for the market to grow significantly. This type of steel was not commonly utilized for building structural reasons initially, owing to its high cost. However, technological advancements have made this steel more accessible and affordable over the last decade and improved corrosion resistance and longevity. According to the BS Stainless company, the product demand is increasing to fulfill construction purposes, offer buildings enhancements, and make them more attractive. Moreover, the growing number of commercial and residential buildings coupled with the increasing commissioning of infrastructural projects will boom the construction industry. Hence, such factors will increase the product demand during the forecast period. 

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Substitute Products Such as Aluminum and Carbon Steel to Affect Market Growth Negatively

Availability of substitute products, such as aluminum, galvanized steel, carbon steel, and engineered plastics, restrains the product adoption. Moreover, it is heavy and not water-resistant when compared with these alternatives. These factors are restricting its consumption where the lightweight property in the products is needed. Such factors restrain the market and reduce product adoption in various applications, including consumer goods, engineering, and electronics.      

Stainless Steel Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type Analysis

Cold Rolled Flat Segment to Hold Largest Market Share Due to High Demand from Home Appliances and Furniture Industries

On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into cold rolled flat, hot plate & sheet, cold bars & wire, hot bars & wire rod, and others. The cold rolled flat segment accounts for the largest share and witness the fastest growth in the global market. Cold rolled flat, abbreviated as CRS, is a highly ductile material that is excellent for applications requiring perfection. It is highly utilized in home appliances, file cabinets, lockers, and furniture.

Hot plate & sheet is also referred to as structural steel and is projected to be the second-largest segment in the market. It is a simple steel sheet that could be cut and welded to manufacture a more complicated product. It is mainly used in drums, general fabrication, automobile panels, containers, and trailer cladding. Increasing demand for cold bars & wire in engineering applications due to their excellent mechanical properties will propel the growth. Hot bars & wire rods are also called annealed bars and normalized bars. The product demand is increasing rapidly in the electrical & electronics industry, owing to its excellent tensile strength.

By Application Analysis

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Metal Products Segment is the Largest Application Segment Owing to its Corrosion Resistant Property

On the basis of application, the market is divided into metal products, electrical machinery, engineering, construction, automotive parts, and others. The metal products segment held the highest stainless steel market share in 2023. Growing consumer disposable income and rising adoption of metals in utensils and medical accessories resulted in high demand. Hence, this will further fuel the overall market growth during the study period.

Engineering steel products generally include exhaust systems, ship containers, cable trays, and pipelines. Increasing demand for oil & gas and transportation products will boost the segment growth. The construction segment is growing at the highest CAGR in the market. Steel products are utilized in modern construction due to their great strength and corrosion resistance. It is also used in the outside cladding of big, high-impact structures and can be found in interior countertops, railings, and backsplashes. In motor vehicle parts, the product demand is rising owing to rapid innovation in the automotive industry coupled with increasing consumer expenditure. Steel is a reliable, versatile solution, which makes it an ideal choice in electrical machinery. The grades, such as type 316 S and 304 SS, of stainless steel are highly adopted in the electronic industry.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global market and was estimated at USD 140.62 billion in 2023. The rapid infrastructure development and increasing technological advancement in steel have fueled the market growth in Asia Pacific. China holds the highest market share in this region and is the fastest-growing country. The increasing production of steel, rising research & development activities, and growing construction industry are some prominent factors fueling the product demand in China.

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In Europe, the high demand for the product is associated with rapid growth in the automotive industry and technological advancements. Around 45%-50% of steel is used in automotive exhaust systems. In addition, several firms are employing innovative processes for complex designs, including tube hydroforming with austenitic steel. Hence, such factors will fuel the market growth in Europe.

In North America, the market growth is majorly attributed to the increasing demand for duplex series of steel in electronic and engineering applications, owing to its cost-effective property.

In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are the leading countries. The rising consumption of metal products in the medical and transportation industries will augment the market growth in this region. The growth of the construction industry in the Middle East and Africa will showcase significant market growth in the future. The growth is attributed to rise in the number of firms expanding their production capacity and industrial facilities, which leads to an increase in construction activities in this region.

List of Key Companies in Stainless Steel Market

Key Players Use Organic and Inorganic Growth Strategies to Maintain Their Position in the Market

Key metal manufacturers operating in the market include ThyssenKrupp Stainless GmbH, Nippon Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal, and Acerinox S.A. These players are actively involved in production capacity expansion, product development, mergers & acquisitions, and market collaborations. ThyssenKrupp Stainless GmbH is a manufacturer of steel. The company uses both hot and cold rolled processes to manufacture steel-based products for customers. Moreover, the company is also involved in acquisition, R&D activity, and steel innovation to meet consumer demand.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Acerinox S.A (Spain)


• Aperam Stainless (Luxembourg)


• ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg)


• Baosteel Group (China)


• Jindal Stainless (India)


• Nippon Steel Corporation (Japan)


• Outokumpu (Finland)


• POSCO (South Korea)


• ThyssenKrupp Stainless GmbH (Germany)


• Yieh United Steel Corp (Taiwan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 – Outokumpu collaborated with Nordic Steel to introduce sustainable stainless steel in Norway. Outokumpu’s Circle Green is the world’s most sustainable stainless steel, with upto 92% lower carbon footprint than the industry average. The agreement promotes both the company’s environmental strategies and allows Nordiac Steel to be the first in Norway to provide solutions to its customers.


• March 2023: Jindal Stainless Ltd announced the collaboration agreement with New Yaking Pte. Ltd., for construction, development, investment, and operation of a Nickel Pig Iron smelter facility situated in Indonesia. The company will secure 49% stake with investment of approximately USD 157 million. This Nickel will be used for the production of stainless steel.


• March 2023: A memorandum of understanding (Mou) between Outokumpu and Fortum was signed to explore the decarbonization of Outokumpu’s steel production activities using developing nuclear technology called Small Modular Reactors (SMR).  With intention of gaining access to potential SMR construction in Finland.


• July 2022: Outokumpu signed an agreement to divest the majority of the Long Products business operations to Marcegaglia Steel Group, a global industrial group in the steel processing sector. Outokumpu will now focus on its core business of flat stainless steel products. The transaction includes Long Products’ melting, rod, and bar operations in Sheffield, U.K.; bar operations in Richburg, U.S.; and wire rod mill in Fagersta, Sweden. The transaction does not include Outokumpu Long Products AB operations in Degerfors and Storfors, Sweden.


• May 2022: Jindal Stainless became a supplier to Alstom for developing technologically-advanced and state-of-the-art trainsets for Regional Rapid Transit System. Jindal Stainless will be supplying approximately 2 kilotons of 301LN stainless steel grade in 2J finish to Alstom for developing 210 trainsets under this project. Several components are being developed using this steel, including sidewall skins, brackets, end walls, solebars, contrails, roofs, and under-frames.


• December 2021: Aperam completed the acquisition of ELG, a global recycler of stainless steel and superalloys, for an enterprise value of USD 358.3 million. The acquisition has strengthened the Environmental-Social-Governance leadership position in the industry. Investing in sustainable recycling further improves Aperam’s leading environmental footprint and supports the company’s CO₂ reduction targets. The acquisition enables Aperam to improve its input mix and expand into the supply of raw materials.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, types, applications, and products. Also, it provides quantitative data in terms of volume and value, market analysis, research methodology for market data, and insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments and competitive landscape. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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