Global Electrical Steel Market Size By Type Of Electrical Steel, By Application, By End-User Industries, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Electrical Steel Market Valuation – 2024-2031

The Electrical Steel Market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years. This growth is attributed to a rise in demand for energy-efficient products and the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources. The market was valued at USD 38.29 Billion in 2023 and is expected to expand to USD 70.36 Billion in 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.90% from 2024 to 2031.

Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel, is a specialty steel utilized in the manufacturing process of various electrical components. These components include transformers, motors, generators, and other electrical equipment. They are critical for the transmission and distribution of electricity, and their performance significantly impacts the overall efficiency of the electrical grid.

Electrical Steel MarketDefinition/ Overview

Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or lamination steel, is a specialty steel designed for exceptional magnetic properties and use in electromagnetic devices. It is employed at the core of transformers, motors, generators, and a variety of other electrical equipment, playing a critical role in ensuring efficient transmission and distribution of electricity.

Electrical steel is primarily an iron alloy. However, unlike regular steel where carbon reigns supreme, silicon takes center stage in electrical steel. The silicon content can range from 1% to 6.5%, with most commercial grades containing up to 3.2% to avoid brittleness during cold rolling. Small amounts of manganese and aluminum may also be added. The key benefit of silicon lies in its impact on the electrical properties of the steel. Silicon significantly increases the electrical resistivity of iron, reducing eddy currents that can cause energy loss within the material. Additionally, it narrows the hysteresis loop, a measure of energy dissipated during magnetization and demagnetization cycles. These improvements translate to lower core losses and higher magnetic permeability, making electrical steel ideal for electromagnetic applications. In certain applications, additional processing techniques may be employed to create a preferential grain orientation within the steel. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring high efficiency in a static magnetic field, such as transformers. Finally, a thin insulating coating may be applied to further reduce eddy currents and prevent corrosion.

Electrical steel offers several advantages due to its superior magnetic properties. Lower core losses translate to higher efficiency in electromagnetic devices, minimizing energy waste during operation. The high permeability of electrical steel enables the creation of compact electromagnetic devices, reducing size and weight. Additionally, it allows for the design of more efficient transformers, motors, and generators, leading to better overall performance of electrical equipment.

How are these advancements impacting the magnetic properties and efficiency of electrical steel?

Advancements in processing techniques and alloy compositions are constantly refining the magnetic properties and efficiency of electrical steel. These advancements are having a multifaceted impact. Core losses, a major source of energy inefficiency, are being significantly reduced. Techniques like grain refinement and improved coating technologies minimize eddy currents, a key contributor to core losses. This translates to substantial efficiency gains in transformers, motors, and generators.

Permeability, a measure of how readily a material allows magnetic fields to pass through it, is being enhanced. Advancements such as texture control and the incorporation of specific alloying elements can increase the permeability of electrical steel. This allows for the creation of more compact electromagnetic devices with improved performance. Hysteresis losses, which occur during repeated magnetization and demagnetization cycles, are being lowered. Advancements in processing techniques can help to optimize the microstructure of the steel, leading to a reduction in hysteresis losses. This translates to lower energy consumption during the operation of electromagnetic devices. Finally, modern advancements allow for the tailoring of electrical steel with properties specifically designed for distinct applications. For instance, grain oriented electrical steel offers exceptional performance in static magnetic fields, making it ideal for transformers. This level of material customization ensures optimized efficiency and performance across various applications.

Advancements in processing techniques and alloy compositions are leading to a new generation of electrical steel with superior magnetic properties and improved efficiency. This translates to significant benefits for the entire electrical grid, including lower energy consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the development of more compact and efficient electrical equipment.

Will the increasing focus on sustainability and carbon reduction impact the demand for electrical steel?

The growing emphasis on sustainability and carbon reduction is expected to have a positive impact on the demand for electrical steel. This influence can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, electrical steel plays a critical role in reducing energy losses within transformers, motors, and generators. By improving the efficiency of these devices, electrical steel indirectly contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation and consumption. As sustainability becomes a paramount concern, this efficiency benefit is likely to drive up demand for electrical steel.

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations and offering incentives to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Electrical steel directly aligns with these initiatives by enabling the development of equipment that meets or surpasses efficiency standards. This regulatory push is expected to further increase the demand for electrical steel in the market. Finally, the focus on integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power necessitates efficient transmission and distribution systems. Electrical steel plays a vital role in minimizing energy losses during power transmission, making it an essential material for supporting a sustainable energy grid. As the focus on renewable energy intensifies, demand for electrical steel is expected to rise correspondingly.

The increasing focus on sustainability and carbon reduction is expected to create a favorable environment for electrical steel. Its ability to enhance energy efficiency and support the adoption of renewable energy positions it as a key material for a sustainable future.

Category-Wise Acumens

How are the miniaturization trends in inductors and chokes influencing the development of new electrical steel grades?

The miniaturization trend in inductors and chokes is acting as a catalyst for the development of new electrical steel grades. These new grades are being formulated with improved permeability at higher frequencies. As inductors and chokes shrink, they often necessitate operation at higher frequencies. These new grades ensure the components remain efficient and minimize power losses even in their miniaturized form.

Due to the increased current density, core losses become even more critical with miniaturization. New grades of electrical steel are being developed to minimize eddy currents and hysteresis losses, which translates to lower overall energy consumption within the miniaturized inductors and chokes. Inductors and chokes require materials with excellent soft magnetic properties for efficient operation in the rapidly switching magnetic fields they experience. Advancements are being made to optimize these soft magnetic properties in new electrical steel grades. The development of new grades with controlled grain structures is being facilitated by advancements in processing techniques. Grain size and shape significantly impact the magnetic properties of electrical steel, and these new grades are specifically tailored for the high-frequency operation and miniaturized form factors of modern inductors and chokes.

Research into amorphous and nanocrystalline electrical steels is ongoing for certain high-performance applications. These advanced materials offer exceptional magnetic properties at high frequencies, making them potentially well-suited for miniaturized inductors and chokes in demanding applications. The miniaturization trend is pushing the boundaries of electrical steel development. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to create new grades with improved properties that can meet the challenges of smaller, higher-frequency inductors and chokes. This focus on miniaturization is expected to be a key driver for future advancements in electrical steel technology.

What are the trends in motor design for industrial machinery, and how do they influence the demand for different types of electrical steel?

The design of electric motors for industrial machinery is undergoing a transformation, and these trends are directly influencing the demand for various types of electrical steel. A key trend is the focus on efficiency. Driven by rising energy costs and regulations, industrial motor design prioritizes minimizing energy consumption. This translates to a demand for electrical steel with lower core losses. Advancements in grain refinement and improved coating technologies are leading to the development of new electrical steel grades that minimize eddy currents, a major contributor to core losses. These new grades are then used to design more efficient motors for industrial facilities.

Another trend is the increasing power density requirement. Modern industrial processes often necessitate motors with higher power density to handle demanding applications. This necessitates the use of electrical steel with superior magnetic properties, particularly high permeability. Advancements in texture control and the use of specific alloying elements are allowing manufacturers to create electrical steel with increased permeability. This allows for the design of compact and powerful motors that can fit into smaller spaces while delivering the required performance. The growing adoption of variable speed drives and brushless DC motors in industrial machinery is also influencing the type of electrical steel needed. These motors operate at a wider range of speeds and require different magnetic properties compared to traditional AC induction motors. To cater to the specific needs of these advanced motor designs, new electrical steel grades are being developed with optimized hysteresis loops and improved soft magnetic properties. Finally, the rise of Industry 4.0 and the integration of smart features in industrial motors are creating new opportunities for electrical steel. For instance, some motors may require sensors embedded within the stator laminations. This necessitates the use of electrical steel grades with specific properties to ensure proper sensor operation without compromising magnetic performance.

These trends in motor design for industrial machinery are driving the demand for a wider variety of electrical steel grades with specialized properties. Higher-grade electrical steel with lower core losses and higher permeability is needed for efficiency and power density. New material compositions are being developed for variable-speed drives and brushless DC motors. Specialty electrical steel grades with properties that facilitate sensor integration may also be required. The evolving landscape of industrial motor design is creating a dynamic market for electrical steel, with manufacturers continuously innovating to develop new grades that meet the specific needs of these advanced motors.

Gain Access into Electrical Steel Market Report Methodology

Country/Region-wise Acumens

How might potential changes in trade policies affect the competitiveness of the North American Electrical Steel Market?

Potential changes in trade policies could impact the competitiveness of the North American Electrical Steel Market in several ways. These changes have the potential to bring both advantages and disadvantages.

One possibility is the implementation of increased import tariffs on electrical steel. This could incentivize domestic production, potentially leading to job creation and increased investment in North American steel mills. A strengthened domestic supply chain and reduced reliance on foreign sources could result. However, higher tariffs could also raise overall material costs for manufacturers who rely on imported electrical steel. This might make North American-produced electrical equipment less competitive in the global market, potentially leading to job losses in downstream industries. Additionally, if domestic production cannot meet the demand, higher prices could stifle innovation and slow down the adoption of efficient technologies that utilize electrical steel. Subsidies for domestic production could also be implemented. Government subsidies have the potential to make domestic production of electrical steel more cost-competitive, potentially leading to increased output and market share for North American producers. This could strengthen the domestic industry and potentially lead to lower prices for electrical equipment consumers within North America. However, subsidies can distort the market and create unfair competition with foreign producers. This could lead to trade disputes with other countries and potentially retaliatory tariffs on other goods exported from North America. Additionally, relying on subsidies might not incentivize long-term innovation and efficiency improvements within the domestic industry.

Finally, trade agreements and free trade deals could also be negotiated. Trade agreements that ensure fair access to raw materials and eliminate unnecessary trade barriers could benefit North American producers. This could create a more level playing field and allow domestic manufacturers to compete effectively on a global scale. Additionally, free trade deals could open up new export markets for North American-produced electrical steel. However, trade agreements can sometimes lead to increased competition from foreign producers, particularly if environmental or labor regulations in those countries are less stringent. This could put pressure on domestic producers to lower prices and potentially lead to job losses.

How is the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry in Asia Pacific impacting the demand for specific grades of electrical steel for motors?

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Asia Pacific is significantly impacting the demand for specific grades of electrical steel for motors. A surge in the number of electric vehicles produced and sold within Asia Pacific translates proportionally to a higher demand for electric motors. This inevitably leads to an increased demand for electrical steel, a crucial component in these motors.

A constant push for improved efficiency and performance in electric vehicle motors necessitates the use of electrical steel grades with specific properties. For instance, grades with lower core losses are sought after to minimize energy consumption and extend driving range. Additionally, advancements in motor design often require electrical steel with superior permeability to achieve the desired power output within a compact motor size. The electric vehicle market encompasses a wide range of vehicles, from small city cars to large SUVs and trucks. This diversity necessitates the use of different electric motor types. Research and development efforts are ongoing to create new motor designs, and each type may require specific electrical steel grades with properties tailored to its unique operating characteristics.

Many Asia Pacific governments are implementing policies that promote the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives, coupled with stricter emission regulations, are further accelerating the growth of the EV market. This translates to a ripple effect, indirectly driving up the demand for specific grades of electrical steel suitable for electric vehicle motors.

The booming electric vehicle industry in Asia Pacific is a key driver for the demand for specific grades of electrical steel used in electric vehicle motors. The focus on efficiency, performance, diverse motor types, and government policies are all contributing to a dynamic market for electrical steel in the Asia Pacific region. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to develop new grades that meet the evolving needs of the electric vehicle industry.

Competitive Landscape

The Electrical Steel Market thrives on a dynamic interplay between established industry leaders, agile startups, and innovative material suppliers. This diverse landscape ensures a constant stream of advancements catering to the evolving needs of manufacturers seeking high-efficiency electrical equipment.

Some of the prominent players operating in the Electrical Steel Market include

Nippon Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal, Thyssenkrupp Steel, Baosteel Group, POSCO, JFE Steel Corporation, Shougang Group, Hyundai Steel, NLMK, Wuhan Iron and Steel Group, Baowu, JFE Steel, Shougang, TISCO, NSSMC, NLMK Group, AK Steel, ThyssenKrupp, Ansteel, Masteel, Cogent(Tata Steel), Voestalpine, Benxi Steel, APERAM, Nucor, ATI

Latest Developments

• In February 2024, JSW Steel on Tuesday plans to set up a grain-oriented electrical steel manufacturing facility through a joint venture with JFE Steel Corporation.
• In April 2023, AM/NS India received approval from India’s regulatory body (NCLT) to acquire Indian Steel Corporation, expanding its capabilities and product range.
• In November 2022, JSW Group announced its plan to invest INR 1 trillion (USD 12.08 billion) in its Karnataka-based businesses over the next five years.

Report Scope

Electrical Steel Market, By Category

By Type of Electrical Steel

• Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES
• Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (NGOES)

By Application

• Transformers
• Motors
• Inductors and Chokes
• Generators

By End-User Industries

• Energy
• Automotive
• Appliances
• Industrial Machinery

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America

Global Electric Steel MarketResearch Methodology

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