The global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market valued at US$ 749.51 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,240.08 million by 2030. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2022 to 2030.
Carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC are lightweight and offer durability, design flexibility, tolerance to temperature fluctuations, and chemical resistance. They have various applications such as automotive body panels, structural components, and insulating components. The demand for SMC and BMC for the production of automobiles has increased due to a high emphasis on reducing vehicle weight and enhancing fuel efficiency. The rise in electric and hybrid vehicles has further boosted the demand for lightweight materials for the insulation of electrical components. The carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market is expected to grow owing to the growing automotive during the forecast period.
Based on resin type, the global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market is segmented into polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and others. In 2022, the polyester segment held a largest share in the carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market. Polyester is a synthetic polymer usually derived from petroleum. The unsaturated resins when combined with other chemicals such as hardeners or catalysts, change the molecular structure of the resulting compound along with the generation of heat. Carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC are used in various end-use industries, including automotive, construction, and electronics. Compared to other resins, the processing of polyester is easier, cost-effective, and needs no post-curing. Polyester manufacturers work on new and improved formulations with better mechanical properties. The properties of polyester resin such as versatility, strength, and durability are fueling the demand for polyester.
The global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, North America, and South & Central America. In 2022, Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The market growth in Asia Pacific is driven by the strong presence of the automotive, building and construction, wind energy, and electronics industry. Asia Pacific is a hub for automotive manufacturing with a large presence of international and domestic players operating in the region. North America accounted for significant market share, mainly driven by the increasing utilization of SMC and BMC products in various end-use industries such as automotive, building & construction, and electronics. The construction industry in the region witnesses growth owing to rising government investments in residential construction projects and infrastructure development in the region.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries across the world reported economic growth. The key manufacturers invested in the research and development of carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC. They also focused on geographic expansion through merger and acquisition strategies to cater to a wide customer base. In early 2020, lockdowns and border restrictions imposed by governments due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the supply chains of raw materials and finished goods in many countries. Carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC manufacturers reported significant economic losses during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak due to trade restrictions and processing unit shutdowns. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC), owing to the high vulnerability of the automotive industry, vehicle sales in the US decreased by 15% in 2020, compared to 2019.
Production shortfall caused by supply chain disruptions, raw material and skilled laborer shortages, and operational difficulties created demand and supply gaps in many regions, particularly Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers reported challenges in sourcing raw materials and ingredients from suppliers, negatively impacting the production rate of carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC. Also, fluctuating demand from end-use industries, including automotive, construction, electrical & electronics, and aerospace, caused the demand and supply gap. These abovementioned factors adversely affected the carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC market growth during the pandemic.
In 2021, rising vaccination rates contributed to improvements in the overall conditions in different countries, which led to conducive environments for the chemicals & materials industry. According to European Commission, construction output in the European Union climbed by 3.9% in January 2022, compared to December 2021; similarly, construction-related manufacturing increased by 3.9% in Europe. The sales of carbon fiber-based SMC and BMC increased with the resumption of production and sales operations of companies operating in the automotive, electrical & electronics, construction, and aerospace industries by the end of 2021.
Teijin Carbon Europe GmBH, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, ASTAR SA, Menzolit, Polynt SpA, IDI Composite International, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings BV, Lattice Composites LLC, Toray Advanced Composites, and YS ACC, are among the key players in the global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market. These companies are adopting several strategies, including mergers & acquisitions and product launches to expand their geographic presence and consumer bases.
The overall global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights. Participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers—along with external consultants, including valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders—specializing in the global carbon fiber-based SMC BMC market.