South & Central America Iron Powder Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Type, Manufacturing Process

The South & Central America iron powder market was valued at US$ 38.13 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 55.53 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.8% from 2022 to 2030.

Flourishment of Automotive Industry Fuels South & Central America Iron Powder Market

The automotive industry heavily relies on iron powder as it is a fundamental raw material in the field of powder metallurgy. This manufacturing process involves shaping and sintering metal powders to create intricate parts. Automotive manufacturers increasingly turn to powder metallurgy for the production of components such as gears, bearings, and bushings, as it offers cost-effective, precise, and resource-efficient manufacturing solutions. In addition, in recent years, the automotive sector has heavily invested in reducing the weight of vehicles to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Iron powder, when integrated into metal matrix composites and other advanced materials, can contribute to the development of lightweight components that maintain structural integrity. These components are integral to achieving the industry's lightweight objectives, resulting in more fuel-efficient vehicles and a reduced carbon footprint. As per the data of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), countries in North America, South America, and Central America recorded production of over 16.1 million commercial and passenger cars in 2021, and the production has grown by 10% and registered over 17.7 million commercial and passenger cars in 2022.

Companies operating in the automotive sector are investing heavily in automobile manufacturing to increase production and sales. As the automotive industry experiences a transformative shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), iron powder's role becomes even more crucial. Electric motors used in EVs often rely on iron powder for the production of soft magnetic cores, which are essential for the motors' efficiency and performance. According to the International Energy Agency's annual Global Electric Vehicle Outlook, over 10 million electric cars were sold worldwide in 2022, and sales are projected to grow by another 35% in 2023 to reach 14 million. As the automotive parts sector continues to evolve and innovate, iron powder is poised to remain a fundamental material for the production of high-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible automotive components.

South & Central America Iron Powder Market Overview

The South & Central America iron powder market is segmented into Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America. The South & Central America iron powder market in South & Central America is primarily driven by its high use by the end-use industries. The increasing demand for additive manufacturing in the automotive, medical, and aerospace & defense industries is predicted to propel the South & Central America iron powder market in the region. Large-scale original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), particularly in the aircraft sector, are investing in metal 3D printing in order to produce aeronautical parts, which is thereby anticipated to influence the South & Central America iron powder market growth positively. Further, the automotive sector is widely using powder metallurgy to produce a remarkably assorted range of structural parts for engines, clutches, transmissions, exhaust, starters, transfer cases, brakes, shock absorbers, steering columns and racks, comfort and safety systems [sunroofs, rear-view mirrors, and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)], and others. Thus, the growing demand for additive manufacturing and metallurgy is anticipated to boost market growth in the region. Moreover, South & Central America has a nascent share. However, the increasing presence of global and local market players coupled with increasing research and development activities by these market players are anticipated to drive the South & Central America iron powder market growth in the region.

South & Central America Iron Powder Market Segmentation

The South & Central America iron powder market is categorized into type, grade, manufacturing process, end-use industry, and country.

Based on type, the South & Central America iron powder market is segmented into reduced, atomized, and electrolytic. The atomized segment held the largest market share in 2022.

In terms of grade, the South & Central America iron powder market is bifurcated into ≤ 99.0% and ≥ 99.1%. The ≤ 99.0% segment held a larger market share in 2022.

By manufacturing process, the South & Central America iron powder market is categorized into physical, chemical, and mechanical. The physical segment held the largest market share in 2022. Furthermore, the physical segment is further subsegmented into atomization and electro deposition. Additionally, the chemical segment is further subsegmented into reduction and decomposition.

Based on end-use industry, the South & Central America iron powder market is segmented into paints and coatings, additive manufacturing, medical, soft magnetic products, metallurgy, and others. The metallurgy segment held the largest market share in 2022. Furthermore, the metallurgy segment is further subsegmented into compound brazing, compound sintering, compound welding, and others.

Based on country, the South & Central America iron powder market is segmented into Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America. Brazil dominated the South & Central America iron powder market share in 2022.

Rio Tinto Metal Powders, American Elements Inc, Industrial Metal Powders (India) Pvt Ltd, CNPC Powder North America Inc, Ashland Inc, BASF SE, Hoganas AB, JFE Steel Corp, and Kobe Steel Ltd are among the leading companies operating in the South & Central America iron powder market.