Ferroalloys Market

Market Overview

The global ferroalloys market size was valued at USD 123 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 211 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period (2023 to 2031).

Ferroalloys are iron alloys containing other elements used to improve the characteristics of iron for certain uses. These alloys are critical in steel manufacturing, foundries, and metallurgy industries. They give the base metal desirable properties such as improved strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance. 

Continuous steel production around the world is expected to benefit market growth. Ferroalloys are a class of materials made composed of iron and various alloying elements that are commonly employed in the manufacturing of steel. Ferroalloys are used in steel production to improve the characteristics of steel products. Including ferroalloys improves fatigue strength, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. These reasons are anticipated to increase the ferroalloys market share.

Market Dynamics

Global Ferroalloys Market Drivers

Steel Industry Growth

Stainless steel's corrosion resistance and aesthetic allure make it popular in various industries. The production of stainless steel depends significantly on ferroalloys, specifically Ferrochrome. Global primary steel production reached approximately 1,9 billion metric tons in 2020, according to the World Steel Association; due to its widespread use in construction, automotive, and consumer products, stainless steel accounts for a substantial portion of this production. Ferrochrome, a crucial ferroalloy composed of chromium and iron, imparts corrosion-resistant properties to stainless steel.

In 2020, the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) estimated that the global production of stainless steel was approximately 52,2 million metric tons, demonstrating the consistent demand for stainless steel products. The expansion of the steel industry, particularly in segments such as stainless steel, substantially impacts the demand for ferroalloys. The role of Ferrochrome in improving the properties of stainless steel exemplifies the importance of ferroalloys in fulfilling the requirements of various industries.

Global Ferroalloys Market Restraints

Environment and Regulatory Concerns

Chromium is essential to the production of numerous ferroalloys, such as Ferrochrome. However, the production and use of chromium-containing ferroalloys can contribute to environmental problems, specifically the release of hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen and toxic pollutant. Due to its harmful effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict standards for hexavalent chromium concentration in potable water at 0.1 parts per billion (ppb). Numerous nations and regions have implemented regulations to control hexavalent chromium emissions and pollution from industrial processes and waste disposal. To maintain their social license to operate and minimize negative effects on the environment and public health, businesses in this industry must guarantee compliance with ever-changing regulations and invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Global Ferroalloys Market Opportunities

Advancement in Aerospace and Automotive Industries

Increased air travel and the demand for fuel-efficient aircraft are driving the rapid expansion of the aerospace industry. This expansion is anticipated to increase the demand for ferroalloys, such as titanium and nickel-based alloys, that provide superior strength-to-weight ratios and high-temperature resistance. The automotive industry is transitioning toward lightweight materials to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Ferroalloys, such as magnesium and aluminum, are vital in producing lightweight components that maintain structural integrity while reducing vehicle weight. The push for electric vehicles (EVs) and enhanced fuel efficiency has increased the demand for lightweight materials in the automotive industry. Ferroalloys such as aluminum and magnesium produce lightweight engine components and body structures without sacrificing safety or performance. These alloys contribute to vehicles' lightening and enhancing their overall efficiency.

Regional Analysis

The global ferroalloys market is analyzed in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 6.3% throughout the forecast period. In terms of volume and revenue, the Asia Pacific region dominated the market, accounting for more than 61% of worldwide revenue in 2022. China is the world's largest steel manufacturer and has a major role in Asia-Pacific. The country's fast industrialization and infrastructure development fuelled the need for ferroalloys. For example, Ferrochrome is used to manufacture stainless steel, which is in high demand for construction, appliances, and other applications.

Another key market in the Asia-Pacific area is India, which has an increasing need for ferroalloys due to infrastructural development and automobile production. Innovations in alloy manufacturing techniques and alloying elements have the potential to provide new and improved ferroalloys that meet the needs of developing industries. Opportunities exist in implementing sustainable methods and sophisticated manufacturing techniques to meet the increased demand for ferroalloys while addressing environmental issues as the region evolves. India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are emerging regional markets for ferroalloys in the Asia Pacific. China and the aforementioned emerging markets will likely rise rapidly in the future. In 2020, the Asia-Pacific region's steel production was estimated to be over 1.35 billion metric tons.

North America holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. North America comprises the United States and Canada, which have established industrial sectors that heavily emphasize manufacturing and innovation. Demand for ferroalloys in the region is driven by various industries, including automotive, construction, aerospace, and energy. Steel output in North America increased in the United States but decreased in Canada and Mexico. The United States has a substantially larger ferroalloy market than Canada and Mexico because of the region's extensive steel manufacturing. Rising domestic steel manufacture in the region is a crucial element driving the growth of the ferroalloys market. The North America Market is shaped by the region's strong manufacturing and industrial sectors, with industries such as automotive and aerospace driving demand for specialty alloys. The market's growth potential is based on its ability to embrace sustainability and innovation while catering to varied industry needs.

Europe is home to several innovative manufacturing businesses, making it a prominent user and producer of ferroalloys. The automotive, aerospace, energy, and construction industries drive the region's ferroalloy demand. Germany, recognized for its automotive prowess, relies on ferroalloys to manufacture high-quality, performance-driven vehicles. Alloying components such as ferromanganese and ferrosilicon are required to produce engine blocks, gears, and frames. The well-established German automotive sector has had sluggish growth as prominent market participants such as Volkswagen, Ford, and BMW announced temporary closures of their manufacturing plants in 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19; however, production restarted in the second half of 2020. These plants manufacture Audi, Porsche, SEAT, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen automobiles. To coincide with environmental aims, the region has the potential to invest more in sustainable industrial processes. Europe's history of metallurgical innovation places it in an excellent position to lead in alloy creation and technology. The market's potential is defined by its capacity to implement sustainable practices, capitalize on its history of innovation, and cater to different industry demands while addressing environmental challenges.

Segmental Analysis

The global ferroalloys market is segmented based on product, application, and region.

For better understanding, the product is further segmented into Ferrochrome, ferromanganese, ferro silico manganese, and ferrosilicon.

Ferromanganese holds the major share of the market. Ferromanganese, composed of iron and manganese, is essential for producing steel with desirable properties. It increases the steel's hardness and strength while preserving its flexibility. Ferromanganese is utilized in numerous industries, such as construction, transportation, and apparatus manufacturing, contributing to this market segment's expansion.

Ferrosilicon is an iron and silicon alloy frequently used in steel and iron production as a deoxidizer and an inoculant. It aids in regulating the particle size and mechanical properties of steel. Ferrosilicon is also used to produce cast iron, making it indispensable for foundries and metallurgical operations.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Carbon and Low Alloy steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Cast Iron, and Others.

Stainless Steel is the highest contributor to the market. Ferrochrome is important in manufacturing stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and an appealing appearance. The stainless-steel industry heavily relies on Ferrochrome to produce various products, such as kitchen appliances, automobile parts, and architectural features.

Cast iron, widely used in the construction and automotive industries, is made from ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, and other ferroalloys. Structures and machinery benefit from the strength and stability cast iron components provide. Cast iron is used in a variety of applications, including pipes in the oil and gas industry, machinery and equipment parts, automotive components such as disk brake rotors, gearbox cases, flywheels, combustion engine cylinder blocks, and manifolds, household utensils and pots, shipbuilding components, flanges, fittings, and pump impellers, and so on.

Recent Developments

• July 2023- Glencore to buy Pan American's 56.25% stake in the MARA Project, making it the sole owner.
• July 2023- Tata Steel was the first company in India to deploy an LNG-powered Capesize bulk carrier to transport raw materials from Australia to India.
• July 2023- ArcelorMittal announced the outcomes of its XCarbTM Innovation Fund Accelerator Programme and made a USD 5 million investment in CHAR Technologies.