Carbon Fiber Market By Type (Pan, Pitch, Rayon), By Raw Material (Virgin, Recycled), By Grade (Standard, Intermediate Modulus, High Modulus) And Region For 2026-2032

Carbon Fiber Market Valuation - 2026-2032

The growing need for lightweight, high-performance materials across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, is the main driver of the carbon fiber market's significant expansion. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the carbon fiber market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 16.07 Billion over the forecast subjugating around USD 7.04 Billion valued in 2024.

The demand for fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes is a major factor driving market growth since carbon fiber's special qualities, like its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion, make it the perfect material for improving performance and cutting emissions in these applications. This rising demand enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2026 to 2032.

Carbon Fiber Market: Definition/ Overview

Carbon fiber, also known as graphite fiber, is a lightweight yet extremely strong material composed of thin strands of carbon atoms that typically measure 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. Its distinctive qualities include high tensile strength, stiffness, low weight, and great resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Carbon fiber is widely used in various industries, including aerospace for aircraft components, automotive for lightweight vehicle parts, recreational goods such as bicycles and golf equipment, and renewable energy for wind turbine blades. Its ability to improve performance while lowering weight has made it a popular choice in industries that value efficiency and longevity.

What are the Factors that Surge the Demand for the Carbon Fiber Market?

Due to the material's lightweight and high-strength qualities, the aerospace industry is a primary driver of the carbon fiber market. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the global fleet of commercial aircraft is predicted to grow from 25,900 in 2019 to 48,400 in 2039. The expansion of the aerospace industry is boosting demand for carbon fiber composites. The FAA also claims that the use of composite materials in aircraft has increased from 2% in the 1960s to more than 50% in current aircraft such as the Boeing 787, demonstrating the growing utilization of carbon fiber in aerospace applications.

The automotive industry is increasingly relying on carbon fiber to reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency. According to the United States Department of Energy, decreasing a vehicle's weight by 10% can increase fuel efficiency by 6-8%. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), to reach global climate objectives, the average fuel consumption of new cars must be reduced by 3.7% per year between 2020 and 2030. The drive to enhance fuel efficiency is encouraging the introduction of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber in the automotive sector.

Furthermore, the expanding renewable energy sector, especially wind energy, is a significant driver of the carbon fiber market. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), global cumulative installed wind capacity exceeded 743 GW in 2020, with 93 GW added in only that year. According to the US Department of Energy, wind turbine blades made of carbon fiber composites can be 25% lighter than typical fiberglass blades, allowing for longer blades and higher energy production. This growth in the wind energy sector is driving up demand for carbon fiber.

What are the Primary Factors Hindering the Growth of the Carbon Fiber Market?

High production costs have a substantial impact on the carbon fiber market, preventing its widespread adoption across numerous industries. Carbon fiber, particularly PAN-based kinds, can cost as much as $21.5 per kilogram, making it too expensive for many manufacturers, particularly small-scale enterprises. This high cost is primarily due to the expensive precursor ingredients and sophisticated production methods required, making it difficult for carbon fiber to compete with alternative materials such as glass fiber or aluminum in more cost-sensitive applications.

Furthermore, the manufacturing process emits toxic gasses and produces large CO2 emissions, resulting in tight laws in many countries. These laws drive up production costs and complicate compliance for producers, limiting market expansion. As countries tighten environmental regulations, the carbon fiber market must adjust, which further limits supply and raise prices.

Category-Wise Acumens

How Does the Increasing Adoption of PAN-based Carbon Fiber Drive Market Growth?

According to VMR analysis, the PAN-based carbon fiber segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) is a precursor material used in carbon fiber production. Compared to other precursors like Rayon, PAN offers a more cost-effective option. This is because PAN is readily available, has a well-established production process, and requires less energy during the initial stages of carbon fiber production. As the Pan segment grows and production becomes more efficient, the overall cost of carbon fiber can potentially decrease. This would make carbon fiber a more attractive option for a wider range of industries, ultimately accelerating market growth.

Furthermore, PAN-based carbon fibers offer some performance advantages over other types. They can achieve a higher modulus and better tensile strength compared to some Rayon-based fibers. This translates to lighter yet stiffer carbon fiber composites, particularly desirable in applications like aerospace and high-performance vehicles.

How the Virgin Carbon Fiber Material Propels the Growth of the Carbon Fiber Market?

The virgin carbon fiber segment is estimated to dominate the antibody production market during the forecast period. Virgin carbon fibers offer exceptional properties compared to recycled carbon fibers in some aspects. They typically exhibit greater tensile strength and stiffness, making them ideal for applications demanding maximum structural integrity and minimal weight. This is crucial in sectors like aerospace, where the need to reduce weight while maintaining strength is paramount for fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance. Virgin carbon fibers also boast better fatigue resistance, meaning they can withstand repeated stresses without degrading as quickly. This makes them suitable for applications like wind turbine blades that are constantly subjected to wind forces.

Furthermore, the production process for virgin carbon fibers is more controlled, leading to a more consistent product in terms of fiber properties and performance. This consistency is vital for critical applications where predictability and reliability are paramount.

Country/Region-wise Acumens

How Does the Strong Automotive Industry Focus on Lightweight Vehicles Drive the Market in Europe?

According to VMR analyst, Europe is estimated to dominate the carbon fiber market during the forecast period. Europe has a strong automotive industry that is increasingly using carbon fiber to cut vehicle weight and meet severe pollution regulations. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the EU intends to lower CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 37.5% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. To reach these aims, the European automobile industry is making significant investments in lightweight materials. According to the European Commission, every 100 kg reduction in vehicle weight reduces CO2 emissions by around 8.5 g/km. This push for lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles is increasing demand for carbon fiber in the European automotive industry.

Furthermore, Europe has a large number of aerospace firms, making it an important carbon fiber consumer. According to Airbus, one of Europe's leading aerospace corporations, the proportion of composite materials (including carbon fiber) in their aircraft has climbed from 5% in the A310 to more than 50% in the A350 XWB. According to the European Commission's 2020 aerospace industry study, the EU's civil aeronautics sector employed around 500,000 people and produced a turnover of nearly €150 billion in 2019. This substantial aerospace presence in Europe drives the region's carbon fiber market.

What Factors Contribute to the Potential Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region?

Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR within the Carbon Fiber Market during the forecast period. The region is a manufacturing powerhouse, with countries like China and India experiencing rapid growth in industries like aerospace, automotive, and wind energy. These sectors are prime consumers of carbon fiber due to its ability to create lightweight, high-performance components.

The Asia Pacific region is undergoing significant infrastructure development projects. Carbon fiber composites offer advantages like strength and reduced weight, making them ideal for bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Many Asian governments are prioritizing environmental concerns and clean energy initiatives. This translates to support for renewable energy sources like wind power, which heavily rely on carbon fiber for turbine blades. Additionally, governments are promoting energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure projects. Carbon fiber composites can play a significant role in achieving these goals by reducing the weight of buildings and structures, leading to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling. Furthermore, some governments are investing in research and development of next-generation electric vehicles, where carbon fiber's lightweight and high-strength properties can be instrumental in extending driving range and improving overall vehicle performance.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the carbon fiber market is characterized by a dynamic interplay of innovation, technological developments, and strategic alliances among manufacturers. As the need for lightweight and high-performance materials grows in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, businesses are increasingly focusing on improving their manufacturing skills and expanding their product offerings.

Some of the prominent players operating in the carbon fiber market include:

Solvay, Toray Industries, Inc., Teijin Limited, Hexcel Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, SGL Carbon, Jilin Chemical Fiber, DowAksa.

Latest Developments

In June 2024, Teijin Limited introduced a new line of carbon fibers specifically designed for use in hydrogen fuel tanks. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered a promising solution for clean energy transportation.

In the year 2024, Mitsubishi Chemical entered a strategic partnership with a wind turbine manufacturer to develop next-generation lighter and more efficient wind turbine blades.

Carbon Fiber Market, By Category

• Type:
• PAN-based Carbon Fiber
• Pitch-based Carbon Fiber
• Rayon-based Carbon Fiber
• Raw Material:
• Virgin Carbon Fiber
• Recycled Carbon Fiber
• Grade:
• Standard Grade
• Intermediate Modulus Grade
• High Modulus Grade
• Region:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa