USA to lead metal powder market as industry nears $11 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global metal powder market is set to top $11 billion by 2030, with the USA becoming the largest single-country market at $2.6 billion. The outlook points to strong demand from automotive, aerospace and additive manufacturing, plus a push toward recycled and higher-performance powders.

Why it matters: - Metal powders are becoming a bigger input for automotive, aerospace, defense and additive manufacturing supply chains. - The market’s projected expansion signals more demand for precision parts, lightweight components and advanced production methods. - Sustainability is also moving into focus as manufacturers look for closed-loop recycling and lower-waste production.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Metal Powder Market Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035 on October 16, 2026. - The report says the global metal powder market is expected to surpass $11 billion by 2030. - The report projects the USA will become the top individual country market, rising from $2.0 billion in 2025 to $2.6 billion by 2030. - Asia Pacific is projected to become the largest regional market, reaching $4.8 billion by 2030 from $3.3 billion in 2025.

The details: - The global market is forecast to grow at a 7% compound annual growth rate through 2030. - Metal powder is part of the larger Forged And Stamped Goods market, which is forecast to reach about $367 billion by 2030. - Within the wider Metal And Mineral industry, metal powders would represent close to 0.1% of projected value. - Asia Pacific growth is tied to manufacturing expansion in China, Japan, South Korea and India. - The report links regional demand to powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, high-precision components for automotive and electronics, industrial automation and production-capacity expansion. - The USA outlook is driven by metal injection molding, defense and aerospace demand, advanced manufacturing infrastructure and the need for customized complex-shaped parts. - Automotive and aerospace use of metal powders is expected to add about 2.1% annual growth. - Additive manufacturing is projected to contribute about 2.0% annual growth. - Industrialization and manufacturing expansion are estimated to contribute about 1.9% annual growth. - Ferrous, non-ferrous and other metal powders are expected to add more than $3.2 billion in value between 2025 and 2030. - Ferrous powders are projected to add $2 billion, non-ferrous powders $1 billion and other types $0.2 billion. - Ferrous powders are expected to hold 67% of total market value, or about $8 billion, by 2030. - The market is segmented by process into atomization, reduction of compounds, electrolysis and other techniques. - The market is segmented by application into additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, metal injection molding and other uses. - End-use industries include transportation, electrical and electronics, medical, chemical and metallurgical, defense and construction. - The top 10 companies accounted for 22% of revenue in 2024, indicating a moderately fragmented market. - Höganäs AB and Sandvik AB each held 4% market share in 2024. - Carpenter Technology Corporation and Allegheny Technologies Incorporated each held 3%. - GKN plc and JFE Steel Corporation each held 2%. - Other notable companies include Kymera International, Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd., H.C. Starck GmbH and Tekna Holding ASA. - Höganäs AB was the largest company in 2024 with a 4% share and a product range covering iron, steel and specialty alloys. - The company list also includes Alcoa Corporation, Pometon S.p.A. and Royal Metal Powders Inc. - Raw material suppliers named in the report include Höganäs AB, GKN Powder Metallurgy, Sandvik AB, Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, Kymera International and Carpenter Technology Corporation. - Wholesalers and distributors include Reade Advanced Materials, Stanford Advanced Materials, American Elements and Goodfellow Group. - Major end users listed in the report include Toyota Motor Corporation, Volkswagen AG, General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Airbus SE, Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, RTX Corporation, Siemens AG, General Electric Company, ABB Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Company, Schneider Electric SE, Medtronic plc, Stryker Corporation, Eaton Corporation plc and Emerson Electric Co. - The report says metal powders are used across powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, metal injection molding and surface coatings.

Between the lines: - The market’s growth is being pulled by both scale industries and precision manufacturing, which gives it exposure to multiple demand cycles at once. - Ferrous powders remain dominant because they fit cost-sensitive structural and mechanical applications at industrial scale. - The rise of closed-loop recycling suggests buyers are starting to value supply resilience and lower material waste alongside performance. - In January 2026, 6K Additive partnered with AGF Defcom on a closed-loop recycling program using proprietary UniMelt technology to convert manufacturing scrap and unused powders into premium-grade materials. - The report’s 22% revenue share for the top 10 companies suggests room for specialized producers and niche technology players.

What's next: - Market growth is expected to continue through 2030 as additive manufacturing and precision-engineering demand expand. - Asia Pacific is likely to remain the biggest regional growth engine, while the USA stays the largest single-country market. - Manufacturers are expected to keep investing in atomization technology, high-purity alloy powders, capacity expansion and recycling systems. - The Business Research Company says future gains will be tied to more sustainable production, broader 3D printing adoption and stronger global supply chains.

The bottom line: - Metal powder is shifting from a niche materials segment to a strategic manufacturing input, with the USA leading country-level demand and ferrous powders still carrying most of the market.