Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market reached US$ 8.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 22.3 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030. One of the major avenues of demand for carbon fiber prepregs will be sport and recreation goods. Mountain bikes are already utilizing carbon fiber frames. In April 2023, Parcours, a bike wheel maker, unveiled carbon fiber wheels at The Cycle Show 2023 in London, UK.

The Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market is expected to witness significant growth on account of the growing adoption of composites in the worldwide shipbuilding industry. Composite usage is increasing mainly to reduce new ships' weight and prevent corrosion of critical components. In March 2023, Kaebon GmbH, a German electric boatmaker, unveiled the EB EIN, an ultra-light electric boat made from carbon fiber.

Over the forecast period, advances in reusable space launch vehicles is likely to augment global market growth. National and private space agencies are developing reusable rockets to reduce launch costs and expand applications for space missions. In April 2023, ISRO, the Indian space agency, conducted its first successful test of a prototype reusable launch vehicle.

Market Dynamics

Growing Production of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

With falling costs and friendly government policies, electric vehicles (EVs) have become popular among consumers in developed countries. For instance, the Tesla Model Y became the best-selling car globally in Q1 2023, with global sales of nearly 267,000 units. Many leading global automotive manufacturers have significantly increased the production of electric vehicles (EVs) in response to the growing demand.

The automotive industry increasingly adopts carbon fiber composites to reduce vehicle weight and extend battery range. Carbon fiber prepregs find applications in various components, such as chassis, body panels, and interior parts, offering enhanced performance, safety, and durability. Furthermore, carbon fiber prepregs are also being investigated for usage in EV battery enclosures.

Limited Production Capacity

The production of carbon fiber prepregs requires specialized manufacturing facilities and expertise. One of the major complexities of the manufacturing process is the low yield of carbon fiber prepreg. The processing of raw materials to obtain carbon fiber prepreg is highly energy-intensive and, under the best conditions, only gets a gain of about 50%.

The limited production capacity of carbon fibers and the intricate nature of prepreg manufacturing pose challenges in meeting the increasing demand. Furthermore, increasing production requires high capital investment, which many companies are reluctant to undertake. The limitation can pressure carbon fiber prepreg prices, particularly during peak demand periods.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market. The pandemic led to disruptions in global supply chains, including the carbon fiber prepreg market. Restrictions on transportation and temporary shutdowns of manufacturing facilities affected the availability of raw materials and the production of carbon fiber prepreg.

Despite the initial setbacks, the carbon fiber prepreg market is recovering and showing resilience post-pandemic. As economies gradually reopened and industries resumed operations, the demand for carbon fiber prepreg increased. Moreover, the global market would see increased benefits from the ongoing emphasis on renewable energy, infrastructure development, and sustainability in various sectors.

AI Impact

AI technologies, such as machine learning and predictive analytics, can optimize carbon fiber prepreg industry manufacturing processes. By analyzing large datasets and real-time data, AI algorithms can identify patterns, optimize material usage, and improve production efficiency. It reduces waste, improves product quality, and increases overall manufacturing productivity.

AI technologies can optimize the supply chain in the carbon fiber prepreg industry by analyzing data related to inventory, demand, and logistics. AI algorithms can forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and streamline logistics operations. It improves supply chain efficiency, reduces costs, and improves customer satisfaction.

Ukraine-Russia Impact

The Ukraine-Russia war primarily affects the immediate region, including neighboring countries in Eastern Europe. Companies in these regions may face challenges due to disrupted trade flows, political instability, and the economic consequences of the conflict. It can impact the region's demand and consumption of carbon fiber prepreg materials.

High energy prices in Europe have significantly increased carbon fiber prepreg production costs. The conflict may prompt companies to reconsider their sourcing and manufacturing strategies. The companies may seek alternative suppliers or diversify their supply chain to mitigate geopolitical risks. It could change the global carbon fiber prepreg market landscape as manufacturers adapt to new supply sources and locations.

Segment Analysis

The Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market is segmented based on resin, end-user and region.

Epoxy Resin Occupys A Major Position In The Global Market

The most widely used resin in the global carbon fiber prepreg market is epoxy resin. Epoxy resin offers excellent bonding properties with carbon fibers, resulting in high-strength and lightweight composite materials. It provides good chemical resistance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability, making it suitable for various applications.

Epoxy-based carbon fiber prepregs are extensively used in aerospace, automotive, wind energy, sports equipment, and industrial applications. The dominance of epoxy resin in the market can be attributed to its superior performance, versatility, and good track record in composite manufacturing.

Geographical Analysis

Asia-Pacific is Expected to Occupy a Significant Share of the Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market

The Asia-Pacific carbon fiber prepreg market is expected to account for more than a quarter of the global market share during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is known for its manufacturing prowess, with countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan playing a significant role in global manufacturing. The countries have well-established aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries that generate demand for carbon fiber prepreg materials.

Asia-Pacific is witnessing significant infrastructure development, including the construction of bridges, buildings, and transportation networks. Carbon fiber-reinforced materials, including prepreg, offer advantages such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. The properties make carbon fiber prepreg an attractive choice for infrastructure applications, further driving the market in the region.

The Asia-Pacific region is also a leader in renewable energy projects, particularly in offshore wind and solar energy. Carbon fiber prepreg is used in wind turbine blades, enabling longer and more efficient blades for capturing wind energy. China add 6.8 GW of offshore wind energy generation capacity in 2022, taking its total installed capacity to 26.5 GW.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: Hexcel Corporation, Toray Industries, Inc., SGL Group, Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH, Gurit Holding, Plastic Reinforcement Fabrics Ltd, TEI Composites Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc., Axiom Materials, Inc. and Park Electrochemical Corp.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market segmentation based on resin, end-user, region, and key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of carbon fiber prepreg market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Global Carbon Fiber Prepreg Market Report Would Provide Approximately 50 Tables, 49 Figures And 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies