[192 Pages Report] The Special Steel Market size was estimated at USD 192.47 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 199.53 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 4.06% to reach USD 254.37 billion by 2030.
Special steel refers to a range of steel products that are engineered to possess specific characteristics, such as exceptional hardness, resistance to wear and corrosion, and special magnetic & thermal properties. Special steels encompass various categories, including stainless steels, tool steels, and alloy steels, each distinguished by its unique chemical composition, manufacturing process, and mechanical properties. Increasing global investments in infrastructure projects drive the demand for durable and high-strength construction materials. In addition, innovations in automotive technology and the shift towards electric vehicles sustain the demand for high-performance steel. However, the production of special steel involves higher costs due to the need for specific raw materials and advanced processing techniques, impacting market growth. Furthermore, ongoing innovations in steelmaking processes and alloy compositions enhance the properties of special steel, expanding its application range.
Bearing steel is specialized steel used for manufacturing all types of bearings, including those in automotive, aerospace, and machinery applications. High-quality, clean steel with high durability and wear resistance is a necessity for bearing applications to reduce friction and wear. Free-cutting steel is designed for high-speed machining, with added sulfur, lead, or tellurium to improve machinability. Automakers and machinery manufacturers prefer free-cutting steel for parts requiring intricate shapes. Heat-resistant steel is used in high-temperature environments such as power plants and chemical processing facilities; heat-resistant steel can withstand high temperatures without losing strength. High-tensile steel is characterized by its high strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for structural and transport applications where weight reduction is critical. Low-temperature steel is a subcategory of high-tensile steel engineered to maintain its toughness and ductility even at subzero temperatures. This property is critical for applications in cold climates where materials are exposed to the risk of brittleness and failure. Weathering steel, known as corten steel, is renowned for its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions without the need for painting or other protective coatings. This variety of high-tensile steel forms a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to the atmosphere for several years. Spring steel is known for its high yield strength and elasticity, essential for manufacturing springs and wire forms. Advancements in spring steel focus on improving fatigue resistance and performance in varying conditions. Stainless steel features a minimum of 10.5% chromium, giving it corrosion resistance for a wide range of applications, from cutlery to chemical equipment. Austenitic stainless steels are the most widely used category, recognized for their excellent corrosion resistance and superb fabrication properties. They contain high levels of chromium-nickel and sometimes molybdenum, which enhance their corrosion resistance. Ferritic stainless steels are characterized by their high chromium and low carbon content, which gives them good ductility and resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Stainless steel pipes are renowned for their versatility and durability. Made from both austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, these pipes offer excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including in harsh environmental conditions. Structural alloy steel contains specific alloy elements to achieve desired mechanical properties for construction and engineering applications. Structural carbon steel is used in construction and structural applications due to its high strength and flexibility. Tool steel is used to make cutting tools, molds, and gauges. It has distinct properties such as hardness, resistance to abrasion, and ability to hold a cutting edge at high temperatures. Alloy tool steels are distinguished by their significant alloy content, which includes chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, among others. These elements are added in varying proportions to achieve different characteristics, such as increased hardness, toughness, and heat resistance. Carbon tool steels are primarily categorized by their carbon content, ranging from 0.6% to 1.5%. This category of tool steel is characterized by its ability to maintain a sharp edge and its durability. However, carbon tool steels are more prone to corrosion compared to their alloy counterparts and thus require more maintenance and protective coatings in certain applications. High-speed steel (HSS) is a subclass of tool steels that combines the properties of both carbon and alloy sheets of steel. HSS is well-known for its ability to cut materials at higher speeds than carbon and alloy tool steels due to its exceptional hardness and heat resistance.
Special steel in the automotive industry is prized for its high strength, durability, and ability to withstand extreme conditions. Manufacturers have been focusing on advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) to reduce vehicle weight while ensuring safety standards. The construction industry utilizes special steel for its structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and sustainability. Weather-resistant steels are particularly in demand for outdoor structures. Special steel in consumer appliances is selected for its aesthetic appeal, formability, and corrosion resistance, ideal for appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and kitchenware. The industry's need for aesthetic, durable, and easy-to-clean surfaces drives innovation in this segment. In manufacturing, special steel is integral for machinery, tools, and parts due to its strength, precision, and wear resistance. The petrochemical industry requires special steels that can withstand corrosive substances, high temperatures, and pressure. Duplex and super duplex stainless steels are preferred for their excellent resistance to corrosion and strength. Special steel in the shipping and packaging industry is valued for its strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, significantly impacting container manufacturing and structural components of ships. The drive towards more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions influences demand in this segment.
In the American region encompassing the United States & Canada, the demand for special steel is significantly powered by the defense, aerospace, and automotive industries, with a growing trend toward lightweight and high-strength materials. Investments have been focusing on enhancing production capabilities and the adoption of green manufacturing practices. The technological forefront has seen innovations in steel compositions to enhance performance in extreme conditions. The European Union shows a keen emphasis on eco-efficiency and material innovation in its consumption of special steel. The automotive and construction sectors stand out in their demand for advanced high-strength steels that contribute to reduced environmental impact. Legislative frameworks in the EU propel the market towards innovation, with numerous patents filed for sustainable production techniques and novel steel alloys. Special steel in the Middle East finds its primary demand in infrastructure development and the oil & gas industry. The region's focus is rapidly shifting towards diversifying its economy, thus stimulating investments in non-oil sectors such as construction, which demand specialized steel products. In the APAC region, China, India, & Japan are at the forefront of the global production and consumption of special steel, focusing heavily on infrastructure, automotive, and high-tech industries. Initiatives to curb pollution have led to the adoption of new steelmaking technologies and practices.
The FPNV Positioning Matrix is pivotal in evaluating the Special Steel Market. It offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining key metrics related to Business Strategy and Product Satisfaction. This in-depth analysis empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success: Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).
The Market Share Analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth examination of the current state of vendors in the Special Steel Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions in terms of overall revenue, customer base, and other key metrics, we can offer companies a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With this expanded level of detail, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.
JACQUET METALS successfully completes the acquisition of special steel distribution activities
JACQUET METALS, a company in the specialty metals distribution industry, announced its strategic acquisition of several distribution companies previously owned by Swiss Steel Group, a leading manufacturer of specialized long steels. This acquisition bolsters the IMS group division, JACQUET METALS' segment dedicated to mechanical steel distribution, and reinforces its market presence in Central and Eastern Europe. [Published On: 2023-11-01]
Voestalpine launches new special steel plant in Kapfenberg
Austrian steel company Voestalpine inaugurated its cutting-edge special steel facility in Kapfenberg, Austria, marking a significant milestone in the steel industry. As the first installation of its kind in Europe in over 40 years, this digitally advanced and environmentally sustainable plant stands at the forefront of industry innovation. It is poised to manufacture 205,000 tons of high-performance steel annually, catering to the automotive, energy, and aerospace sectors globally. [Published On: 2023-10-19]
Sanyo Special Steel’s green energy partnership with Tata Power Renewable Energy
Sanyo Special Steel Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. (SSMI) has partnered with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to harness solar energy for its operations. This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and underscores India's commitment to the National Green Energy policy, fostering a clean energy ecosystem. The collaboration is poised to enhance SSMI's energy security and cost efficiency while producing "Green Steel," a significant leap toward the industry's carbon-neutral objectives. [Published On: 2023-09-01]
The report delves into recent significant developments in the Special Steel Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include Aichi Steel Corporation, AK Steel International B.V., Aperam SA, ArcelorMittal S.A., Baosteel Stainless Steel Co., Ltd., Citic Limited, Daido Steel Co., Ltd．, Dongbei Special Steel Group Co., Ltd., Gerdau S/A, Goel Steel Company, HBIS Group, Hyundai Steel Co. Ltd., JFE Holdings, Inc., Jiangsu Longqi Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Montanstahl AG, Nanjing Iron & Steel Group International Trade Co., Ltd., Nippon Koshuha Steel Co., Ltd. by Kobe Steel, Ltd., Nippon Steel Corporation, Outokumpu Oyj, POSCO, Salzgitter AG, Sandvik AB, SSAB AB, Subhlaxmi Special Steel Pvt. Ltd., Swiss Steel Holding AG, Tata Steel Limited, Thyssenkrupp AG, TimkenSteel Corporation, VDM Metals GmbH, and Voestalpine AG.
This research report categorizes the Special Steel Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:
- Product
- Bearing Steel
- Free-cutting Steel
- Heat-resistant Steel
- High-Tensile Steel
- Low-temprature Steel
- Weathering Steel
- Spring Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Ferric Stainless Steel
- Stainless Steel Pipe
- Structural Alloy Steel
- Structural Carbon Steel
- Tool Steel
- Alloy Tool Steel
- Carbon Tool Steel
- High Speed Steel
- Application
- Automotive
- Construction
- Consumer Appliances
- Manufacturing
- Petrochemicals
- Shipping & Packaging
- Region
- Americas
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Mexico
- United States
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Asia-Pacific
- Australia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Poland
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Americas
- Market Penetration: It presents comprehensive information on the market provided by key players.
- Market Development: It delves deep into lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the penetration across mature market segments.
- Market Diversification: It provides detailed information on new product launches, untapped geographic regions, recent developments, and investments.
- Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: It conducts an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players.
- Product Development & Innovation: It offers intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments.
- What is the market size and forecast of the Special Steel Market?
- Which products, segments, applications, and areas should one consider investing in over the forecast period in the Special Steel Market?
- What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Special Steel Market?
- What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Special Steel Market?
- Which modes and strategic moves are suitable for entering the Special Steel Market?
- Preface
- Research Methodology
- Executive Summary
- Market Overview
- Market Insights
- Special Steel Market, by Product
- Special Steel Market, by Application
- Americas Special Steel Market
- Asia-Pacific Special Steel Market
- Europe, Middle East & Africa Special Steel Market
- Competitive Landscape
- Competitive Portfolio
- List of Figures [Total: 20]
- List of Tables [Total: 482]
- List of Companies Mentioned [Total: 30]
With better corrosion resistance, higher strength, better physical & chemical properties, and biocompatibility compared to ordinary steel, special steel is making a debut in various applications, from automobiles and other transportation equipment essential in modern society to daily home appliances and smartphones and other precision equipment.
Destruction of steel production facilities in Ukraine has led to a collapse in steel production, while soaring energy prices have led to widespread plant idling and production stoppages, especially in Europe.
However, manufacturers and tech-based startups in recent years have been striving hard and are adopting new technologies to increase the production of special steel.
Recently, Austrian startup S1Seven provided blockchain services for special steel manufacturers to conduct transactions with a transparent supply chain record. When recorded in the blockchain, important special steel manufacturing data such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and other industry-standard requirements provide the necessary transparency for quality certifications and accreditations.
Polish startup NanoStal developed customizable heat treatment solutions for special steel manufacturing based on varying steel input characteristics.
New technologies to improve the production of special steel are becoming a new ray of hope for special steel innovators to meet the growing demand for end-use industries.
The Importance of Materials in Automobiles and Aviation:
Materials play an important role in designing and constructing automobiles and airplanes. When developing these machines, engineers aim to use materials that can withstand various forms of stress and strain while preserving their durability and longevity. Materials used in these sectors must also exhibit high corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and fatigue strength. Special steel has features that meet these requirements, making it a popular choice among manufacturers. With the rise in demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, special steel is becoming an essential part of the design process. This material helps to create lighter and stronger components that improve performance while reducing fuel consumption.
Special Steel and Automobile Manufacturing:
The automobile industry increasingly uses special steel to manufacture critical parts such as engines, transmissions, and suspensions. One of the reasons for this shift is that special steel’s superior performance and durability enable the manufacture of high-performance engines that consume less fuel. The steel is strong enough to reduce the weight of car components, and its thermal management capabilities make it ideal for creating efficient exhaust systems. The material is also suitable for developing components for electric and hybrid vehicles. The growth of these sustainable automobile technologies is driving up the demand for lightweight materials, and special steel is proving to be the best choice.
Special Steel and Aviation:
The aviation industry is similarly benefiting from special steel’s unique properties. One of the most compelling advantages of this steel type is its ability to withstand both high and low temperatures. It is also strong enough to withstand the stress of landing, take-off, and turbulence. It's no surprise that special steel has become the material of choice for fabricating components of airplanes, including landing gear, engine structures, and structural framework. Also, the steel's ability to resist fatigue and corrosion ensures the overall safety of aircraft. Integrating special steel into aviation manufacturing has permitted higher payloads and increased fuel efficiency, benefiting the industry.
Innovations in Design:
Special steel's use affects innovation in designing both automobiles and airplanes. With special steel in the manufacturing mix, engineers can design more streamlined body designs both for automobiles and airplanes. The steel's thermal performance and fatigue resistance will enable the development of lighter and stronger engine assemblies. With the reduced weight, the design focuses on fuel efficiency and achieving optimal traction. For the aviation industry, using special steel permits the development of more extensive wingspans, enabling the construction of large planes with fewer engines. For the automotive industry, using special steel in vehicle safety systems makes vehicles safer than ever for drivers and passengers.
With the increasing adoption of special steel, the automobile and aviation industries will experience a full evolution in design and innovation. This shift ensures that manufacturers are using durable and lightweight materials to build airplanes and automobiles that can withstand the test of time, harsh environmental conditions, and high-stress levels. Special steel is being used in developing electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to the fight against climate change. In the aviation industry, the use of special steel has generated more improvements, such as increased fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort. These developments increase everyone's concerns and interests in air travel and corporate sustainability, and only time will tell how special steel will revolutionize the future of aerospace and automotive design and manufacturing.
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