Mirror of the Markets: news from the bars and profiles industry

Expometals.net continues its "Mirror of the Markets" column, following issues on Tube & Pipes, Wire & Cables, and Sheet Metal, to provide essential insights into key market trends. Authored by Dipl.-Ing. Konrad Dengler, a seasoned engineer and technical journalist, the bimonthly column explores market size, growth, applications, geographical trends, and technological advancements, offering professionals a comprehensive overview of industry developments and emerging opportunities. This edition focuses on the Bars and Profiles Industry, given its role in modern infrastructure and technology.    

Definition of metal bars and profiles

Metal bars are long products with a consistent round cross-section throughout their length and are available in various diameters. In contrast, metal profiles are long products with cross-sections that can be square, hexagonal, or octagonal. Other shaped long products, such as beams, channels, angles, and rails, feature irregular cross-sections. Bars and profiles are available in a wide range of dimensions and sizes and are manufactured from steels, non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper and aluminum), their alloys, as well as titanium and nickel-based alloys. For more information, refer to our technical guide: Metal bars and profiles: fundamental differences, manufacturing, and applications.

Market size of the bars and profiles industry

The steel bar market is driven by increasing demand from sectors such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing. According to Global Info Research, the global steel round bars market was valued at over USD 45 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 58 billion by 2030 exhibiting a CAGR of 3.6% (2024–2030). Similarly, maiareports projects the global bright steel bar market to reach USD 4 billion in 2024, growing to USD 6 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 8% (2024–2029). For TMT steel bars, Maximize Market Research predicts growth to nearly USD 19 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 9.1% (2024–2030). In the copper sector, Business Research Insights estimates the global copper bus bar and profiles market to grow from USD 4.4 billion in 2023 to USD 5.64 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 2.8%. The extruded aluminum profiles market is expected to rise significantly, with Coherent Market Insights valuing it at over USD 90 billion in 2024 and forecasting growth to nearly USD 150 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.5% (2024–2031).

Bars and profiles: geographic regions and market trends

Asia-Pacific, in particular China, leads the global steel round bars market due to strong domestic demand, supportive policies, and a robust manufacturing base. North America and Europe are seeing steady growth, driven by government initiatives and rising consumer awareness of sustainable materials. The TMT steel bar market is expanding due to the rising demand for cost-effective reinforcement bars, primarily fueled by global infrastructure development. Asia-Pacific is also among the fastest-growing regions for urbanization, large-scale infrastructure projects, and renewable energy initiatives such as solar and wind power. This growth is significantly boosting the demand for copper bus bars and profiles in the region.

Special applications: bars in the electrical sector

Energy efficiency and sustainability are critical in electrical systems. Copper bars, bus bars, and profiles play a key role in reducing energy losses and are in growing demand due to the expansion of data centers and IT infrastructure.

Trade shows about the bars and profiles industry

Trade shows dedicated exclusively to the bars and profiles industry are uncommon. These sectors are often featured at broader steel-focused fairs, or at wire- and tube-focused events. This overlap arises because many manufacturers and machinery producers serve multiple markets, including bars, profiles, tubes, and wires. Dedicated areas within these fairs often highlight bars and profiles, reflecting their integral role within the metalworking and steel industries.
For more information about upcoming trade shows and industry events, visit our Events page.

Latest market reports on bars and profiles

These studies offer detailed insights into the global metal bars and profiles industry, analyzing trends, techniques, and growth forecasts. The following list does not claim to be exhaustive.

Steel Bar Market Report 2025 (Global Edition).
https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/steel-bar-market-report

Global Steel Round Bars Market 2024 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2030.
https://www.globalinforesearch.com/reports/1650467/steel-round-bars

Global Bright Steel Bar Market Size Expected to Reach $ 6 Billion by 2029.
https://www.maiareports.com/report_blog/global-bright-steel-bar-market-size-expected-to-reach-6-billion-by-2029-growing-at-a-cagr-of-8-cover-regional-analysis/

TMT Steel Bar Market – Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024-2030).
https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-tmt-steel-bar-market/17860/

TMT Steel Bar Market Report 2025.
https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/tmt-steel-bar-market-report

Copper Profiles Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2024-2030
https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/270520/global-copper-s-forecast-market-2024-2030-735

Copper; bars, rods and profiles - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6001256/copper-bars-rods-profiles-market-analysis#tag-pos-4

2024 Copper Busbar and Profiles Market Outlook Report: Industry Size, Market Shares Data, Insights, Growth Trends, Opportunities, Competition 2023 to 2031.
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5688397/2024-copper-busbar-and-profiles-market-outlook

Copper Busbar and Profiles Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, ... Regional Insights and Forecast To 2032.
https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/copper-busbar-and-profiles-market-108436

Extruded Aluminum Profiles Market Size and Trends.
https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/extruded-aluminum-profiles-market-4500

World – Aluminium Bars, Rods And Profiles – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
https://www.indexbox.io/blog/aluminium-bar-world-market-overview-2023/

Aluminium Rods & Bars Market Report 2025 (Global Edition).
https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/aluminium-rods-%26-bars-market-report

2024 Global: Aluminium Bars, Rods And Profiles ... Products-Manufacturing Forecast (2030) report.
https://www.marketresearch.com/PerryHope-Partners-v4032/Global-Aluminium-Bars-Rods-Profiles-36332926/

Stay tuned for more episodes of "Mirror of the Markets." The next installment in March will explore the Fasteners industry, offering valuable insights into its market trends and developments ahead of the Fastener Fair Global event.

More from Mirror of the Markets:
Mirror of the Markets: news from the sheet metal industry
Mirror of the Markets: news from the tubes & pipes industry
Mirror of the Markets: news from the wires & cables industry