세계 연자성 재료 시장 규모는 2024년 341억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 이 시장이 2033년까지 626억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상하며, 2025-2033년까지 7%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. 현재 아시아태평양이 시장을 독점하고 있으며, 2024년에는 52% 이상의 큰 시장 점유율을 차지했습니다. 이 시장은 전기자동차와 하이브리드 자동차에 대한 수요 증가, 재생에너지 인프라 개발, 최근 기술 동향에 힘입어 아시아태평양에서 크게 성장하고 있으며, 기술 혁신과 지속가능성에 대한 도전과 가능성을 모두 가져다주고 있습니다. 또한, 미국 연자성 재료 시장도 전기자동차(EV)의 보급과 재생에너지의 발전에 힘입어 91.3%의 점유율을 차지하며 꾸준히 성장하고 있으며, 정부의 이니셔티브와 기술 혁신이 에너지 효율적 솔루션을 촉진하고 시장 확대를 지원하고 있습니다.
연자성 재료 시장 성장의 주요 성장 요인으로는 전기자동차의 보급과 이에 따른 전기 모터 수요 증가를 들 수 있습니다. 규소철, 소결철, 인철 등 연자성 재료는 에너지 손실률을 줄이고 효율을 높이기 위해 전기 모터에 널리 적용되고 있습니다. IMARC Group의 보고서에 따르면, 전 세계 전기 모터 시장은 2025-2033년까지 3.4%의 연평균 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 고성능 소재 개발의 발전도 연자성 재료 시장의 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 풍력 및 태양광을 포함한 재생에너지 발전의 가속화로 인해 발전기 및 변압기의 자성 재료에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 가전제품의 신기술 통합과 보다 지속가능한 제조 공정으로의 전환도 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다.
미국은 연자성 재료의 중요한 지역 시장이 되고 있습니다. 이 나라 시장은 재생에너지 시스템, 전기자동차, 첨단 전자제품에 대한 수요 증가에 힘입어 성장세를 보이고 있습니다. 또한, 재료 기술 연구 개발 및 자석 제조에 대한 투자가 성장을 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 9월 사모펀드 아라파트너스(Ara Partners)는 국내 전기자동차, 항공우주 및 방위 산업, 재생에너지 공급망 개선을 위한 영구자석 제조 공장에 3억 3,500만 달러의 비리코스트 파이낸싱을 확보했습니다. 이 공장은 Ara Partners가 전액 출자한 미국에 새로 설립된 e-VAC Magnetics LLC가 소유하고 있습니다.
자동차 산업 수요 증가
국제에너지기구(IEA)는 전기자동차와 하이브리드 자동차가 전 세계적으로 보급되면서 변화가 일어나고 있다고 밝혔습니다. 소식통에 따르면 2023년 신차에 포함된 전기자동차는 약 1,400만 대가 될 것이며, 연말에는 4,000만 대 규모에 달할 것이라고 합니다. 연자성 재료는 전기자동차나 하이브리드 자동차에 사용되는 전기 모터, 변압기 등의 부품이 효율적으로 작동하기 위해 매우 중요합니다. 또한, 엄격한 배기가스 규제와 친환경적인 선택에 대한 소비자의 요구로 인해 자동차 제조업체들은 전기 구동계의 성능과 효율을 향상시키기 위해 연자성 재료의 사용을 늘리는 추세입니다. 또한 첨단 자성 재료는 더 작고 강력한 모터를 만들 수 있으며, 이는 미래 세대의 전기자동차에 크게 요구되고 있습니다.
재생에너지 확대
신재생에너지 부문은 지속가능하고 친환경적인 에너지원에 대한 전 세계적인 관심에 힘입어 현재 급성장하고 있습니다. Eurostat의 데이터에 따르면, EU 역내 에너지 최종 소비량에서 재생에너지가 차지하는 비중은 2021-2022년 사이에 1% 포인트 이상 증가하여 23%를 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 연자성 재료의 응용 범위는 매우 광범위하며, 태양광 인버터와 풍력 터빈 발전기 모두 가장 중요한 재생에너지 시스템에는 연자성 재료가 포함되어 있습니다. 이는 에너지의 효과적인 변환과 저장을 가능하게 하는 가장 중요한 요소이기 때문에 재생에너지 인프라에 필수적인 요소입니다. 재생에너지 기술의 기술 개선이 진행되고 있으며, 그 결과 시스템의 효율성과 비용 효율성이 지속적으로 향상되고 있어 연자성 재료 시장 점유율이 확대되고 있습니다.
전자 및 통신의 발전
스마트폰, 태블릿, 노트북, 웨어러블 기기 등 가전제품의 컴팩트하고 전력 효율이 높은 설계를 위해서는 고효율의 자기 부품이 필요합니다. 보고서에 따르면, 2021년 말까지 53억 명이 모바일 서비스에 가입할 것으로 예상되며, 이는 전 세계 인구의 67%에 해당합니다. 연자성 재료의 현재 전망은 인덕터, 변압기 및 양호한 전력 관리 및 신호 처리를 보장하는 기타 각 부품을 통해 적용됩니다. 또한, 연자성 재료에 대한 시장 수요는 통신 인프라 개발 및 5세대(5G)의 전개에 점점 더 많은 영향을 받고 있으며, 이러한 재료는 기지국, 안테나 및 기타 무선 통신 장비에 복잡한 자기 소자를 높은 품질과 신뢰성 프로파일로 활용해야 합니다. 에너지의 효율적 이용과 전자부품의 소형화에 대한 요구가 증가함에 따라, 가볍고 부피가 작으면서도 효과적인 장치를 만들기 위한 연자성 재료의 연구가 절실히 요구되고 있습니다.
The global soft magnetic materials market size was valued at USD 34.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 62.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 52% in 2024. The market is encouraged by increased demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, developing renewable energy infrastructure, and recent technological developments, with considerable expansion in Asia-Pacific, bringing both challenges and possibilities for innovation and sustainability. Moreover, the US soft magnetic materials market is also growing steadily with the share of 91.3%, driven by electric vehicle (EV) adoption and renewable energy advancements, with government initiatives and technological innovation fostering energy-efficient solutions and supporting market expansion.
Some of the key growth factors for soft magnetic materials market growth include rising adoption of electric vehicles and its subsequent demand for electric motors. Soft magnetic materials such as silicon iron, sintered iron, and phosphorus iron have been widely applied in electric motors to reduce the energy loss rate and enhance their efficiency. As per the reports provided by IMARC Group, electric motor market globally would grow at an estimated 3.4% CAGR over the period from 2025-2033. Moreover, advancements in the development of high-performance materials are also driving the soft magnetic materials market growth. The accelerating number of renewable energy sources including wind and solar is escalating the demand for magnetic materials in generators and transformers. Integration of new technologies in consumer electronics and a shift toward more sustainable manufacturing processes are also contributing to the market growth.
The United States is becoming a significant regional market for soft magnetic materials. The country's market is propelled by the rising demand for renewable energy systems, EVs, and advanced electronics. Additionally, research and development in material technology and investments in magnet manufacturing are further boosting growth. For example, in September 2024, Ara Partners, a private equity firm, secured USD 335 million in non-recourse financing for a permanent magnet manufacturing plant to improve the supply chain for EVs, aerospace and defense, and renewable energy in the country. The facility is owned by e-VAC Magnetics LLC, a newly formed U.S. entity wholly owned by Ara Partners.
Increasing Demand in Automotive Industry
The International Energy Agency states the fact that it's undergoing change; electric and hybrid automobiles are spreading worldwide. According to the sources, in 2023, new vehicles included around 14 million electric, reaching a population size of up to 40 million automobiles that existed on streets at that year-end. Soft magnetic materials are crucial to the efficient functioning of electric motors, transformers, and other such components used in electric and hybrid cars. In addition, stringent emission regulations and consumer demand for more environmentally friendly options have forced automobile manufacturers to incline toward increased use of soft magnetic materials in the enhancement of electric drivetrain performance and efficiency. Apart from the above, advanced magnetic materials can also make smaller and stronger motors; these are much needed for future generations of EVs.
Expansion of Renewable Energy
The renewable energy sector is booming nowadays, mainly with the help of a global interest in sustainable and ecological sources of energy. As per the reports Eurostat data show, renewables' share of the final consumption of energy within the European Union increased by more than one percentage point between 2021 and 23% in 2022. The 42.5% figure is the block's objective for renewable energy in 2030. Furthermore, the applications of soft magnetic materials are so extensive that the most important renewable energy systems for both solar inverters and wind turbine generators include soft magnetic materials. These are integral to renewable energy infrastructure as they are the most important to enable effective conversion and storage of energy. Because the technological improvements in renewable energy technologies are also ongoing and result in continuous advancements in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of such systems, market share for soft magnetic materials is increasing.
Advancements in Electronics and Telecommunication
Highly efficient magnetic components are required for compact and power-efficient designs of consumer electronics, which include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. As per the reports, by the end of 2021, 5.3 billion people subscribed to mobile services, marking 67% of the world's population. The current outlook of soft magnetic materials is applied through inductors, transformers, and other respective parts that ensure good power management and signal processing. Additionally, market demand for soft magnetic materials is also increasingly influenced by developing telecommunications infrastructure and the deployment of fifth generation (5G), which requires these materials to utilize complex magnetic elements in base stations, antennas, and other wireless communication equipment with a high quality and reliability profile. Increased demands for more efficient use of energy as well as increased demand for reducing the size of electronic components make research into soft magnetic materials for creating devices which are lighter in weight, less bulky, and more effective highly sought after.
Electric steel material accounts for the largest size in 2024, having about 61.7% of the market. Electric steel is also called as silicon steel or transformer steel. The soft magnetic materials market shares have mainly captured because of better magnetic properties, with high utilization in electrical equipment. This type of steel is specifically designed to have high permeability and low coercivity, which makes it ideal for use in transformers, inductors, and motors, which are critical components in many electrical and electronic devices. In addition, the efficiency of electric steel in conducting magnetic fields and reducing energy losses makes it a preferred choice for manufacturers looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their products.
Motors are the leading market with a share of around 51% in 2024. Motors are dominating this segment, as the latest soft magnetic materials market report shows, because of their wide use in different sectors, such as automotive, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics. Soft magnetic materials play a crucial role in motor applications as they improve magnetic flux, reduce energy losses, and efficiency. The shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles has also driven up the demand for electric motors, which are very sensitive to soft magnetic materials to ensure maximum performance. Industrial applications, including robotics, automation, and HVAC systems, also require reliable and efficient motors to ensure good performance.
Electrical and electronics leads the market with 39.5% of market share in 2024. The electrical and electronics sector represents the largest market share, reflecting the widespread adoption of soft magnetic materials in a wide array of electronic devices and electrical systems. Moreover, soft magnetic materials are integral to the functionality of transformers, inductors, sensors, and various other components that form the backbone of modern electronics. These materials enable the miniaturization and enhancement of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable technology. Furthermore, the efficiency of power generation, transmission, and distribution systems is heavily reliant on the quality of soft magnetic materials used. Additionally, the growing demand for smart home devices, renewable energy solutions, and advanced telecommunication infrastructure further underscores the importance of these materials.
In 2024, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of 52%. Based on the recent soft magnetic materials market forecast, Asia-Pacific is the dominant region due to its robust industrial base, rapid economic growth, and substantial investments in infrastructure development. Additionally, countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are at the forefront of technological advancements and industrial production, making them significant consumers of soft magnetic materials. Besides this, the burgeoning automotive industry in Asia-Pacific, particularly the surge in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, has increased the demand for these materials. Additionally, the region's strong presence in the electronics manufacturing sector, producing a vast array of consumer electronics, industrial machinery, and telecommunication equipment, is further driving the market growth.
United States Soft Magnet Materials Market Analysis
In 2024, the United States accounts for over 91.3% of the soft magnetic materials in North America. In North America, the increasing demand for energy efficient power generation and transmission systems is propelling the adoption of soft magnetic materials in electrical equipment, such as transformers and inductors. The United States soft magnetic material market faces distinct dynamics. Moreover, with limited rare earth resources, higher labor costs, and stringent environmental policies, the United States has seen a comparatively slower industry growth rate. The reliance on imports for rare earth ores and competitive pressures has shaped the trajectory of the soft magnetic material sector. The expansion of the renewable energy sector, including wind and solar power, is driving the need for soft magnetic materials in generators and converters.
Apart from this, the rise in consumer electronics and telecommunications applications is escalating the demand for soft magnetic materials in devices like smartphones and high-frequency transformers, which is augmenting the market growth. Moreover, the expanding EV sector, with over 7% of new cars sold in the US becoming electric in 2023 is escalating the demand for soft magnetic materials. Electric motors and charging infrastructure require soft magnetic materials to ensure performance and energy efficiency. Moreover, the rising demand is further increased by the telecommunications sector's need for sophisticated materials for better signal processing, which is fueled by the growth of 5G networks. In order to create cutting-edge alloys and secure market expansion, major American corporations such as Carpenter Technology and Arnold Magnetic Technologies are making significant investments in research and development (R&D).
Europe Soft Magnet Materials Market Analysis
The market for soft magnetic materials in Europe is supported by the region's focus on industrial automation, electric car adoption, and renewable energy. Moreover, soft magnetic materials are essential for energy conversion and storage in wind and solar power, which has seen large expenditures as a result of the European Union (EU)'s strict carbon neutrality requirements. For example, these materials are essential to the wind power industry in Europe, which installed 17 GW of new capacity in 2023.
Furthermore, the market is expanding as a result of continuous research and development initiatives meant to improve the qualities and performance of these materials. A European soft magnetics collaborative project was launched in 2019 with the goal of creating and refining soft magnetic materials for a variety of industrial uses, including sensors, electric motors, and transformers.
Asia Pacific Soft Magnet Materials Market Analysis
The Asia Pacific soft magnetic material market is widely influenced by China's rare earth resources, low labor costs, and rapid industry growth. Additionally, with over 55% of global rare earth mining, China's magnet sector sets a competitive pace. The expanding automotive sector, characterized by the electrification trend and the development of electric vehicles, is another significant factor propelling the market growth. Furthermore, the robust presence of electronics manufacturing in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea has amplified the consumption of soft magnetic materials in consumer electronics and telecommunications industries.
Besides, companies, such as Toshiba Materials, are focusing on the development of advanced soft magnetic alloys, tailored for high-performance applications in motors and transformers. For instance, in 2023, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd. announced a major investment in a new production facility that will significantly boost its production capacity. On account of this, the demand for soft magnetic materials is escalating across the region.
Latin America Soft Magnet Materials Market Analysis
Power grid upgrading and rising investments in renewable energy are driving the soft magnetic materials market in Latin America. The focus on wind and solar energy projects in nations like Brazil and Mexico is escalating the demand for effective energy conversion and storage systems that use soft magnetic materials. Besides, the region's expanding automotive industry, especially in the areas of electric and hybrid vehicles, is also helping the market flourish. Furthermore, government programs to improve energy efficiency and partnerships with multinational manufacturers also contribute to market expansion.
Middle East and Africa Soft Magnet Materials Market Analysis
The rapid growth of the energy and power sectors in the Middle East and Africa region is primarily due to urbanization and infrastructural development, which is escalating the demand for soft magnetic materials in transformers, generators, and energy-efficient devices. Moreover, the expansion of the automotive industry, particularly in the Middle East, underscores the need for these materials in electric vehicle components and powertrain systems. In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced plans to develop an automotive manufacturing hub in Dubai to attract international automakers and suppliers to set up operations in the region.
The key players in the soft magnetic materials market are increasing their research and development efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of their products. These companies are focusing on developing materials with higher saturation magnetization and lower core losses to meet the growing demands of advanced electronics and electric vehicle markets. In addition to this, they are investing in their manufacturing capabilities and strategic alliances to further strengthen their global supply chains and market presence. Additionally, the environmental aspect of sustainability is being pursued with investment in the carbon footprint of the production process. This approach will help them to be more aggressive in a competitive landscape of changing industry dynamics. For example, US tech startup Niron Magnetics has started full-scale commercial production of its rare earth-free permanent magnets in October 2024. This helps to reduce US dependence on raw materials from China for wind turbines and renewing energy manufacturing sector grow in the United States.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the soft magnetic materials industry include: