PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803299
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803299
The U.S. screw, nut, and bolt market was valued at USD 40.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%, reaching USD 49.6 billion by 2032. The market growth is driven by several factors, including the rise in renewable energy projects, the expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and continued investment in the construction, repair, and maintenance of aging infrastructure. Population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing disposable income are contributing to the demand for screws, nuts, and bolts across various applications, from buildings and vehicles to electronics and industrial machinery.
Screws, nuts, and bolts are widely used mechanical fasteners, valued for their affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. As more consumers engage in DIY projects, electric hand tools for tightening screws and bolts have also increased, making these fasteners even more popular.
Key Insights
Surge in Construction and Infrastructure Development: The U.S. construction sector is a major driver for the market, with over USD 1.2 trillion allocated for infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The rising popularity of modular and prefabricated construction, which requires precise fastenings, further fuels demand.
Impact of Geopolitics and Trade Policies: Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, are affecting the market due to increased tariffs and restrictive trade policies. In 2024, the Department of Commerce imposed high import duties on Chinese steel fasteners, encouraging nearshoring and prompting manufacturers to relocate to Mexico to reduce costs and avoid tariffs.
Product Type Segmentation: Screws represent the largest market share (20%) in 2024, driven by their versatility in construction, automotive assembly, electronics, and consumer goods. Bolts, however, will grow at the highest CAGR of 3% due to increased demand from infrastructure projects and the EV industry, which require high-strength bolts for applications such as battery enclosures and chassis.
Material Preferences: Metal fasteners dominate the market, accounting for 85% of the share in 2024. They are essential for structural components of buildings, automobiles, and industrial machines. Meanwhile, plastic fasteners are growing at a faster pace (CAGR of 3.5%), driven by the use of engineering plastics like nylon in lightweight, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance applications for electronics and medical devices.
Distribution Channel Trends: Distributors and wholesalers hold the largest market share (60%), facilitating bulk supplies and just-in-time inventory for small to mid-sized manufacturers. Direct sales are expected to grow at the highest CAGR (3.2%) as manufacturers, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors, make long-term agreements directly with suppliers to ensure precision and traceability.
End-Use Analysis: The construction sector holds the largest market share (35%), driven by extensive infrastructure development. The aerospace and defense sector is expected to grow at the fastest rate (CAGR of 3.8%), fueled by the U.S. defense budget and the demand for high-performance fasteners for next-gen fighter jets, naval ships, and satellites.
Regional Market Insights: The South leads the market with 30% of the share, driven by significant industrial and construction development in states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida. The West is expected to experience the fastest growth (CAGR of 4%) due to a focus on renewable energy, tech industries in California, and post-wildfire rebuilding efforts in Arizona and Nevada.
Market Fragmentation: The screw, nut, and bolt market is highly fragmented with numerous small to medium-sized companies catering to various industries. Large global players, such as Fastenal, MSC Industrial Supply, and Stanley Black & Decker, compete with these local firms offering customized and specialized fasteners to meet the diverse needs of the market.