Mirror of the Markets: news from the fastener industry
Expometals.net presents the fifth installment of Mirror of the Markets, the bimonthly column offering insights into key trends across the metalworking landscape. Following previous articles on Bars & Profiles, Tubes & Pipes, Wire & Cables, and Sheet Metal, this edition turns the spotlight on the fastener industry.
Timed with the recent Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart, one of the sector’s most important international events, this issue explores the state of the industry through the lens of market trends, technological innovation, application areas, and regional dynamics. Authored by Dipl.-Ing. Konrad Dengler—engineer and technical journalist—Mirror of the Markets supports professionals in interpreting change and identifying new opportunities across the fastener supply chain.
Definition of metal fasteners
Fasteners are mechanical components used to join two or more objects securely. Among the most common are screws, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, pins, and nails, available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Screws and bolts—arguably the most recognized types—are typically made from a cylindrical piece of wire and consist of a head and a threaded shaft. The thread is helically formed around the shaft's centerline. Their counterpart, such as a nut or a tapped workpiece, features an internal thread that matches the fastener.
For readers looking to brush up on the fundamental differences between bolts, screws, rivets, and other fastening elements, Expometals.net offers two dedicated primers in the Metalworking Basics section:
Industrial fasteners: an overview
Fasteners manufacturing: the basics
Starting material
Metallic fasteners held the largest market share of more than 90% in 2024. They are generally made from coiled wire or round bar stock made of cold upsetting steel, alloy steel, copper alloys such as brass and bronze, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and nickel-base alloys.
The plastic fasteners segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.6% over the coming years. Plastic fasteners made from materials such as PC, PU, PVC, PA, PS, PE and nylon are gaining importance in the automotive industry owing to its low-cost, lightweight, and superior chemical and corrosion resistance properties.
Application areas of the fastener industry
The automotive sector represented the largest share of fastener demand in 2024, driven by the high number of connections required in vehicle assembly—modern passenger cars alone contain over 1,000 screw connections.
Beyond automotive, fasteners are widely used across several industries. Manufacturers of household appliances and electrical equipment rely heavily on a variety of fasteners for assembly and durability. The construction industry also demands large volumes, particularly for structural applications. Additional key segments include machinery and apparatus engineering, steel construction, medical technology, the furniture industry, and fittings manufacturing.
Market size and trends in the fastener industry
According to Grand View Research, the global industrial fasteners market is valued at nearly USD 100 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2030. Bolts and screws dominate the market with a 48% share of total revenue, followed by non-threaded fasteners.
Market growth is expected to be driven by population growth, strong investment in construction and infrastructure, and rising demand from the automotive and aerospace sectors. The construction industry, in particular, plays a key role, as fasteners are widely used in buildings, bridges, walls, and roofing systems.
Metal fasteners: geographic regions
Asia-Pacific leads the global industrial fasteners market, driven by rapid urbanization and large-scale investment in infrastructure development. Demand across construction and real estate projects in the region remains particularly strong. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of this growth. China has emerged as the top manufacturer and exporter, supported by its robust industrial base and initiatives like the Belt and Road. India is also expanding rapidly, fueled by economic growth, urbanization, and policies aimed at strengthening domestic production capacity.
Technological trends in the fastener industry
The fastener market is evolving through ongoing technological advancements aimed at developing lightweight, high-strength solutions for both automotive and industrial applications. As of 2024, bolts lead the market with over 30% share, driven by their widespread use in structural work, heavy machinery, and transportation. Innovations in materials are fueling demand for corrosion-resistant, high-tensile bolts, particularly in offshore and aerospace sectors. There is also increasing interest in hybrid fasteners, which combine injection-molded plastics with metal elements. As the automotive industry continues its shift toward lightweight components, producers of plastic fasteners are well-positioned to benefit.
Outlook for the industrial fasteners market
Looking ahead, the fastener industry is expected to evolve in response to shifting material preferences, stricter performance standards, and growing demand for sustainable manufacturing. Digitalization and smart manufacturing are opening new avenues for quality control and traceability, while sectors like EV production and renewable energy are driving the development of specialized fastening solutions. Although traditional drivers such as construction and automotive remain crucial, future growth will increasingly rely on adaptability to new technologies and global supply chain dynamics.
Latest market reports on fasteners
These studies provide detailed insights into the global fastener industry, analyzing market trends, manufacturing technologies, and future growth forecasts. The following list is not intended to be exhaustive.
Industrial Fasteners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report ... And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/industrial-fasteners-market
Global Industrial Fasteners Market Assessment, ...and Forecast, 2018-2032F
https://www.marketsandata.com/industry-reports/industrial-fasteners-market
Fasteners Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)
https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/fasteners-market-report
Industrial Fasteners Market Report 2025
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5792882/industrial-fasteners-market-report
Fastener Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2025-2032)
https://www.stellarmr.com/report/Fastener-Market/1375
Fasteners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report ... Forecasts, 2025-2033
https://straitsresearch.com/report/fastners-market
Fasteners Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By ... and Regional Forecast to 2033
https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/fasteners-market-121019
Stay tuned for more episodes of Mirror of the Markets. The next installment, coming in May, will focus on the wire industry—both ferrous and non-ferrous—offering valuable insights into current trends and market developments.
More from Mirror of the Markets:
Mirror of the Markets: news from the bars and profiles industry
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
