Global market for magnetic materials to reach $33 billion by 2018

USA: In the world of metals and advanced materials, three key segments are on the rise and shaping the future of this global industry. From magnetic materials to high performance alloys and metal finishing chemicals, Global Information Inc (GII) highlights three noteworthy market reports from our premium research partner Global Industry Analysts Inc.

Through key company profiles, market estimates and projections and segment analysis, these reports examine the latest trends, issues and strategic industry activities connected to the global markets for magnetic materials, metal finishing chemicals and high performance alloys.

The global market for Magnetic Materials is forecast to reach US$33 billion by the year 2018, buoyed by strong global demand for Magnetic Materials that is largely driven by Asia, particularly China. The resurgence of global economy, rapid technological advancements and continued strong demand from existing applications are also driving growth in the global Magnetic Materials market.

Soft Magnetic Materials, comprising Soft Ferrites and Electrical Steel, represents the largest product segment in the Global Magnetic Materials market. Powder-based soft magnetic products such as soft ferrites and other iron-based powder components are expected to witness growth in the near future mainly driven by the growing demand from end-use industries such as high frequency power electronics and information technology. Another important category is Permanent Magnetic Materials, which includes Alnico Magnets, Hard Ferrite, Samarium Cobalt Magnets and NdFeB Magnets.

Asia-Pacific leads the global market for magnetic materials. China's magnetic materials industry has witnessed a rapid growth and leads the world in terms of production, yield, and output of magnetic materials. Based on the favorable investment climate, ferrite magnet enterprises in developed nations such as Europe and America have relocated manufacturing operations to China and surrounding countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

High performance alloys
Driven by strong industrial production in developing countries, the global market for high performance alloys is projected to reach 12.7 million metric tons by the year 2018. The US continues to remain the largest regional market. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing market over the analysis period.

In Europe, demand for high performance alloys are losing steam due to an overall economic slowdown in the region. By product, non-ferrous alloys represents the largest segment accounting for a lion's share of the market pie.

The automotive industry, in particular, is driving demand for lightweight alloys, given the growing OEMs focus on producing more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles. In this regard, demand for aluminium alloys in the manufacture of automotive parts and components are poised to grow robustly. The potential offered by the increasing use of aluminium in vehicle production can be put into perspective by the automotive industry's futuristic vision of manufacturing aluminium cars which are believed to be 28 percent lighter than their conventional counterparts.

Metal finishing chemicals
Metal finishing is among the few industrial sectors to hold ground despite the volatile economic scenario. The global market for Metal Finishing Chemicals is projected to reach $8.5 billion by 2018, driven by the recovery in sectors such as electronics, heavy equipment and machinery, automobile, appliances, and aerospace. Trends in the market are also being shaped by the adoption of stringent environmental, worker safety and performance regulations, which in turn are driving sales of high-value products.

Segment-wise, Plating Chemicals represents the largest product segment in the global metal finishing chemicals market. Rising popularity of up market bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures is expected to fuel demand for high value plating chemicals. Growth would be driven by the launch of advanced and improved chemicals in order to ensure compliance with stringent performance specifications and for conforming to the strict workforce safety and environmental regulations.

However, the demand for plating chemicals is expected to be adversely affected by the intense regulatory pressure to minimize pollutants, which is compelling metal finishing companies to focus on limiting the discharge of potentially hazardous chemicals. Future demand for plating chemicals will also be restrained on account of mounting environmental concerns, which is causing the metal finishing companies to recycle the chemicals.

Proprietary Additives & Others, used to purify the deposit characteristics of chemicals, constitutes the fastest growing product category. In terms of end-use segments, Electronics and Electrical represents the largest market, while Aerospace segment is poised to grow at the fastest rate.