Niobium-based Materials Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global Niobium-based Materials Market was esteemed at USD 1 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 1.52 Billion by 2030, growing at a fast CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

High strength low alloy steels are made using niobium, a light grey crystalline metal found in minerals like pyrochlore and columbite as well as in the earth's crust, for surface hardness and wear resistance. It is frequently used in a range of industrial uses, Consisting of aerospace, energy, automotive, and electronics, as niobium-based materials famous for their high strength, low density, and high-temperature resistance. Niobium alloy, niobium oxide, and niobium metal are some of the different forms these materials can take. Niobium metal is the most widely used form due to its high melting point and extraordinary corrosion resistance. Materials based on niobium are required for creating high-quality, lightweight components for a variety of uses. Over the coming years, the market for niobium-based materials is anticipated to expand steadily due to rising demand in a variety of end-use sectors. The market is also anticipated to gain from the escalating use of high-performance and lightweight materials in different applications. The aerospace industry's dominance in the application segment and niobium metal's dominance in the product segment is anticipated to be the primary development drivers of the market. Over the course of the forecast period, the Asia Pacific area is anticipated to be the largest market for niobium-based materials.

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Drivers:

Increasing Demand for Lightweight and High-Performance Materials is driving market growth.

Niobium-based materials are ideal for a variety of vital applications because of their extraordinary corrosion resistance, high strength, and low density. Niobium-based materials are in demand, which is what propels the global business. For the aerospace sector to increase payload capacity, lightweight materials are required, just as they are in the automotive sector to boost fuel economy and cut emissions. The production of parts for engines, exhaust systems, suspension systems, and structural components makes heavy use of niobium-based materials in both sectors. For the electronics sector, these materials improved electrical transmission and low-temperature coefficient of resistivity are beneficial.

Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient Vehicles is augmenting the demand for niobium-based materials in the global market.

The rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles has a significant effect on the market for niobium-based materials. The automotive industry is moving to electric and hybrid vehicles to meet the propelling demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Niobium-based materials are employed in the manufacturing of components like battery electrodes, fuel cells, and electric motors in order to improve their performance and efficacy as well as the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle. Additionally, the demand for renewable energy sources like solar and wind is driving the demand for niobium-based materials, which are used in solar cells and wind turbine components like blades and bearings to improve their efficiency. These materials account for a sizeable part of the global market for niobium-based materials due to the need for the development of lightweight, high-performance components for a variety of uses.

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Challenges:

One of the main issues hindering the global market for niobium-based products right now is a lack of raw materials. As a rare metal, niobium, it might be more difficult to produce niobium-based goods if niobium ore is scarce. Niobium production being concentrated in a limited number of countries can lead to supply networks failing and price fluctuations. Niobium-based materials are increasingly in demand, particularly in the rapidly increasing electronics, automotive, and aircraft industries. It might be challenging for manufacturing companies to satisfy this desire.

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Opportunities:

One of the major growth areas for niobium-based materials on the global market is the escalating use of additive manufacturing. A complex and one-of-a-kind component can be produced with great accuracy and precision due to innovative additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing. Niobium-based materials, such as niobium alloys and niobium powders, are frequently employed in additive manufacturing due to their high melting point, excellent weldability, and low thermal expansion. Because of the rising demand for additive manufacturing in a number of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, the market for niobium-based materials is anticipated to expand in the coming years. 

COVID-19 Impact on Global Niobium-based Materials Market:

The worldwide market for niobium-based materials has been negatively hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in supply chain disruptions, decreased demand from end-use sectors like aerospace and automotive, as well as a decline in revenue and investments. The increased demand for electronic tools and equipment, such as those used for telemedicine, remote work, and e-commerce, has however also created new market possibilities. Electronic components frequently consist of materials based on niobium, which puts them in a good situation to profit from this development. As new possibilities present themselves in the post-epidemic era, it is anticipated that the market for niobium-based materials will recover.

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Recent Developments:

• In March 2022, Brazil's CBMM will partner with Toshiba to supply niobium battery cells for fast-charging electric motorcycles produced by China's Horwin in Brazil. CBMM, the largest niobium oxide supplier globally, will provide the battery cells while Horwin Brasil will manufacture the component and motorcycles. The partnership will allow for the production of sustainable and innovative transportation solutions in the South American country. The technology developed with Toshiba is expected to enhance the performance and speed of electric motorcycles.
• In January 2022, Kymera International, a multinational specialty materials business, purchased Telex Metals. Kymera will be able to add tantalum and niobium specialty materials to its portfolio thanks to the purchase of Telex Metals. The leading producer of master alloys, pastes, grains, and powders made from non-ferrous metals is Kymera. The deal entails the acquisition of all of Telex Metals' outstanding shares.

NIOBIUM-BASED MATERIALS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Segmentation: By Product 

• Niobium Alloys

• Niobium Oxide

• Niobium Powder

• Others

Niobium alloys, niobium oxide, niobium powder, and other types are the four main categories into which the worldwide niobium-based materials market can be divided. Due to their high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and low thermal expansion qualities, niobium alloys are anticipated to have the largest market share because they are ideal for use in a variety of end-use industries, consisting aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. In the upcoming years, niobium oxide is anticipated to experience substantial growth as a result of the rising demand for electronic equipment and machinery. The market for niobium powder, which is extensively used in additive manufacturing, is anticipated to escalate steadily during the projection period. Other niobium-based materials are niobium carbide and niobium nitride, which are used to create cutting instruments and wear-resistant coverings. Over the next few years, the global market for niobium-based materials is anticipated to escalate due to the arising demand for these materials across a range of end-use industries.

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Segmentation: By Application

• Aerospace and defence

• Automotive

• Energy and Power

• Electronics

• Medical

• Others

The global market for niobium-based materials can be broken down into segments by sector, consisting of those in the automotive, energy and power, electronics, medical, aerospace and military, and others. The aerospace and defence sector is projected to retain the largest market share because of the arising demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in aircraft and military equipment. It is anticipated that the automotive industry will experience substantial growth due to the arising popularity of electric and hybrid cars as well as the rising consumer desire for fuel-efficient vehicles. The energy and power industry is anticipated to expand steadily as more niobium-based materials are used in equipment for power generation and transmission. The electronics industry is predicted to experience substantial growth as a result of the rising demand for electronic devices.  

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Rest of the world

Region-wise, the market for niobium-based materials can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. Because of the escalating industrialization and infrastructure growth in nations like China and India, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold the biggest market share. In addition, the area is the world's biggest producer of steel and a significant consumer of niobium-based materials. The growing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in the aerospace and automotive sectors is anticipated to propel development in Europe and North America as well. Because niobium-based materials are being used more frequently in the oil and gas industry, the Middle East is anticipated to experience steady development. Due to the arising demand for materials made of niobium in the mining and construction sectors, Latin America is predicted to experience moderate development. The worldwide market for niobium-based materials is anticipated to grow over the next few years as a result of the expanding demand in numerous end-use industries. 

Global Niobium-based Materials Market Key Players:

1. Admat Inc.
2. Alkane Resources Ltd
3. CBMM
4. China Molybdenum Co. Ltd
5. Changsha South Tantalum Niobium Co. Ltd
6. Dneprovsky Special Tubes Plant LLC
7. Grandview Materials
8. NIOBEC (Magris Resources Inc.)
9. NioCorp Development Ltd
10. Shaanxi Getwick Nonferrous Metals Co. Ltd
11. Titanex GmbH