PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1268637
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1268637
The global carbon steel market size is expected to reach USD 1,301.53 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.0%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing investment in the construction sector on account of factors such as rising housing needs, boosting tourism, and increasing commercial space is likely to augment the demand for carbon steel over the forecast period.
For instance, in August 2022, Nakheel PJSC announced a master plan vision for the Dubai islands. The plan involves the construction of five islands of 17 square kilometers by 2040. These islands are expected to have 80 resorts & hotels, cultural hubs, boutiques, dedicated public parks, and residential spaces. Such kinds of investments are expected to fuel the product demand over the coming years.
Carbon steel is one of the key materials used in the construction sector on account of its strength and hardness. It is used in rectangular tubing, highway construction plates, structural framework beams, and bridges. It is also a popularly used material in the manufacturing of hollow structural sections and rebars. Plain carbon steel exhibits various properties such as plasticity, ductility, flexibility, and bending ability. During natural calamities, such as earthquakes, it is a very useful material owing to its crack resistance. Thus, growth in the construction industry, especially after the pandemic aided the product demand.
Further, the automotive industry is another vital end-use for the market. For instance, high carbon steel finds use in various automotive applications such as door panels, vehicle chassis, and bushings, among others. A rise in vehicle production is thus anticipated to boost product consumption over the forecast period. According to OICA, world automotive production rose by 6% from 2021 to 2022.
Further, the growing emphasis toward sustainable production is aiding the market growth. For instance, in 2022, BMW, to further support its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions signed an agreement with Salzgitter AG to deliver low carbon steel. The product will be used in car production at the company's European plants, from 2026 onwards. The company aims at fulfilling 40% of its demand by making use of low carbon steel at its plants in Europe, by 2030, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 400 kilotons per annum.
Availability of substitutes such as aluminum alloys and other lightweight alloys is anticipated to hinder market growth over the coming years. Aluminum alloys are the major substitutes for carbon steel in applications like shipbuilding. They are expected to gain a higher preference owing to properties like lightweight, which helps reduce the weight of the ship, enhance fuel efficiency, provide higher corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties, and offer low cost maintenance.
Despite the various advantages of aluminum alloys, there is one drawback associated with them. Their high cost when compared to carbon steel restricts their consumption. However, this drawback can be compensated for with higher earnings.