Mirror of the Markets: news from the sheet metal industry

Following earlier issues on Tube & Pipes and Wires & Cables, Expometals.net continues the publication of the column "Mirror of the Markets", offering essential insights into significant market trends. Authored by Dipl.-Ing. Konrad Dengler, the series provides valuable information to help professionals and readers understand market developments and seize emerging opportunities across various industries. This issue focuses on the global sheet metal industry, highlighting its critical role in modern infrastructure and technology.

Definition of sheet metal

Sheet metal is characterized by a large surface combined with a relatively small and consistent thickness. Pieces thicker than 6 mm are called plates, those thinner than 6 mm are sheets, and pieces under 0.060 mm (60 µm) are foils. Nearly any metal can be processed into sheet form, showcasing the versatility of modern sheet metal fabrication techniques. The metal selection depends on the material properties and the operating conditions of the intended products. For more details, please refer to our Metalworking Basics technical guide: Sheet Metal Fabrication - the basics.

Market size of the sheet metal industry

The wide range of sheet metal types, processing techniques, and applications contributes to the industry’s vast market size. Market surveys give an idea of the magnitude. According to the market research company USD Analytics, the global sheet metal market is projected to grow from USD 285 billion in 2024 to over USD 373 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. Grandview Research valued the market at over USD 188 billion in 2023 and forecasts a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030, reaching more than USD 272 billion.

Geographic regions

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations holds a key position in the global sheet metal industry, driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion, including a booming automotive sector. North America is also a significant market.

Sheet metal market trends

The sheet metal market is steadily growing, driven by expanding transportation, manufacturing, industrialization, infrastructure, and construction sectors, especially in developing regions.

Technological trends in the sheet metal sector

Automation, robotics, and AI integration are transforming the global sheet metal industry, reflecting an ongoing focus on innovation and sustainability. The industry is also shifting toward energy-efficient machinery, recycled materials, and eco-friendly processes. Additionally, there is a growing trend to explore new materials with enhanced strength, lighter weight, and improved corrosion resistance.

Outlook

Considering the various application areas for sheet metal and the ongoing investment activities, manufacturers of sheet metals and suppliers of production machinery may anticipate growing order volumes.

International professional associations in the sheet metal industry

Explore them all >> https://www.expometals.net/en/hall/associations/sheet-metal-working-association

Conferences & trade fairs in the sheet metal branch

Expometals.net's Events page features a detailed directory of key conferences, trade shows, and industry events, including those in the sheet metal sector. With search filters for date range and specific industries (e.g., sheet metal), users can quickly locate events of interest.

Key trade fairs scheduled for 2025 include:

Lamiera: Rho Milan, Italy, May 6-9, 2025
FABTECH: Chicago, USA, September 8-11, 2025
Blechexpo: Stuttgart, Germany, October 21-24, 2025

Latest market reports on sheet metal

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

Sheet Metal Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Outlook, and Opportunities to 2030.
https://www.usdanalytics.com/industry-reports/sheet-metal-market

Sheet Metal Market Size ... And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sheet-metal-market

Sheet Metal Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2034.
https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sheet-metal-market

Sheet Metal Market Research Report Information By Material Type ... Market Forecast Till 2032.
https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/sheet-metal-market-8584

Sheet Metal Market Outlook (2023 to 2033).
https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sheet-metal-market

Sheet Metal Market Analysis ... Size and Forecast 2024-2028.
https://www.technavio.com/report/sheet-metal-market-industry-analysis

Sheet Metal Market Size ..., 2024 – 2030.
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/sheet-metal

Stay tuned for more episodes of "Mirror of the Markets." The January installment will explore the Bars & Profiles industry, providing valuable insights into its market trends and developments.

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