China Metal Powder Market Overview, 2030

The evolution of the metal powder market in Russia has been intricately linked to the country’s broader industrial trajectory, shifting from legacy Soviet-era metallurgy towards advanced manufacturing and strategic autonomy. Historically, Russia’s metal powder production was concentrated around state-driven sectors such as aerospace, military equipment, and rail transport. However, recent global disruptions, including sanctions, supply chain decoupling, and the drive for import substitution, have accelerated the push toward localized production and innovation within this market. Emerging opportunities are being shaped by two core drivers: the national re-industrialization agenda and the integration of metal powders into advanced manufacturing technologies. Demand is growing in sectors like aerospace, defense, and medical implants, where high-performance metal powders are critical for precision components and additive manufacturing (AM) applications. The Russian government’s support for additive technologies, through programs under Rosatom and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is opening doors for domestic powder metallurgy firms to move up the value chain. Recent events impacting the market include continued Western sanctions, which have not only disrupted the supply of high-grade powders and AM machines but have also compelled the industry to invest in domestic capabilities. Collaborative efforts with non-Western countries, particularly China and India, are helping fill technical and equipment gaps. Geopolitical shifts are increasing the demand for strategically critical components to be manufactured domestically, driving investment into powder technology R&D. Environmental regulations are also gaining prominence, particularly around powder production emissions and worker safety, prompting some modernization of legacy plants to meet compliance and sustainability expectations.

According to the research report “China Metal Powder Market Overview, 2030,” published by Bonafide Research, the China Metal Powder market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.43% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The evolution of China’s metal powder market is tightly aligned with the nation’s industrial upgrade trajectory, marked by its transformation from a volume-centric manufacturing hub to a high-value, innovation-driven economy. Historically rooted in conventional metallurgy, China’s early-stage metal powder production was dominated by ferrous applications in the automotive and construction sectors. However, the last decade has seen a notable shift toward high-purity, fine metal powders suited for advanced manufacturing technologies like additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection molding (MIM), and high-performance sintering catalyzed by China’s ""Made in China 2025”strategy. Emerging opportunities are especially prominent in the aerospace, biomedical, electronics, and renewable energy sectors. The rapid expansion of China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry and the push for lightweighting has amplified demand for non-ferrous powders like aluminum and titanium. In parallel, defense and space programs led by entities such as CASC and AVIC are aggressively investing in localized AM capabilities, driving the need for specialty alloy powders. Additionally, China's role as the world's largest electronics producer sustains ongoing demand for ultra-fine copper and silver powders in semiconductor packaging and conductive inks. Notable market-impacting events include trade tensions and export controls, which have accelerated China’s drive toward self-reliance in high-purity metal powders and powder metallurgy machinery. Government subsidies and national key R&D programs (e.g., National Science and Technology Major Projects) have further incentivized domestic innovation. Environmental regulations have also tightened, compelling legacy producers to upgrade facilities or face closure, reshaping the supply chain and opening the door for greener, tech-savvy entrants.

In China, the metal powder market is distinctly segmented between ferrous and non-ferrous materials, each supported by unique industrial ecosystems and supply chain dynamics. Ferrous metal powders primarily iron and steel-based continue to dominate the domestic powder metallurgy sector due to their cost-efficiency, broad compatibility with sintering and MIM technologies, and extensive use in automotive, tools, and general industrial parts. China's deep integration of iron ore processing, electric arc furnace (EAF) capabilities, and scrap recovery ensures steady availability of base ferrous feedstock. The government's emphasis on decarbonizing the steel industry has also encouraged the production of cleaner iron powders via hydrogen-based reduction and EAF melting. Non-ferrous powders in China, while smaller in volume, are rapidly expanding in strategic sectors. Aluminum powders are heavily utilized in lightweight automotive parts and 3C computer, communication, and consumer electronics components. Copper powders support a vast electronics manufacturing base, while titanium and nickel powders are gaining traction in medical implants, aerospace parts, and 3D printing applications. Still, the non-ferrous segment faces volatility due to fluctuating global prices, environmental restrictions on mining, and dependency on imported ores or concentrates, especially for rare metals. With China's strong push in EVs, renewables, and aerospace, the non-ferrous powder market is expected to see sustained growth and increased investment in refining, atomization, and alloy innovation technologies.

In China, the application-based segmentation of the metal powder market highlights a robust, evolving ecosystem shaped by industrial transformation, technological innovation, and strategic government priorities. The automotive sector remains the largest consumer of metal powders, particularly ferrous powders used in powder metallurgy parts such as gears, bearings, and structural components. As China accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), demand is shifting toward non-ferrous powders like aluminum and copper for lightweighting, thermal management, and battery components. Major automotive OEMs and tier-1 suppliers are collaborating with local powder producers to optimize formulations for high-performance EV parts. The aerospace and defense segment is experiencing high growth driven by national self-reliance programs and aerospace expansion. Metal powders such as titanium, nickel, and high-temperature alloys are in demand for 3D-printed engine components, structural parts, and missile systems. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is supporting the domestic production of advanced powders to reduce import dependency, particularly for aerospace-grade materials. In healthcare, powders are used in the manufacturing of implants, dental prosthetics, and orthopedic devices through metal injection molding (MIM) and additive manufacturing. Titanium and cobalt-chromium powders are witnessing growing demand from medical device manufacturers. The electronics industry relies heavily on copper, silver and tin-based powders for use in conductive pastes, capacitors, and shielding materials. With China being a global electronics hub, the scale of application is vast.

The China metal powder market demonstrates a clear technological segmentation with distinct growth trajectories across Press & Sinter, Metal Injection Molding (MIM), and Additive Manufacturing (AM). Press & Sinter technology remains the most mature and widely deployed method, particularly in the automotive and industrial machinery sectors. It is preferred for high-volume, cost-effective production of structural components such as gears, sprockets, and bushings using ferrous powders. Chinese manufacturers continue to invest in high-speed compaction presses and sintering furnaces to meet rising precision demands. Yet, price sensitivity and relatively lower material utilization efficiency are challenges in this segment. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is gaining momentum, especially in sectors demanding complex geometries with tight tolerances. Key applications include medical devices, consumer electronics, and defense components. MIM technology enables the use of fine non-ferrous powders such as stainless steel, titanium, and copper alloys to produce miniaturized and high-strength parts. China hosts a growing cluster of MIM-specialized companies, particularly in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces, that serve both domestic and international markets. Strategic collaborations between powder producers and MIM firms are focused on improving binder systems and reducing post-processing time. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the most dynamic and fastest-evolving segment. In aerospace, healthcare, and tooling industries, AM enables design freedom, material efficiency, and lightweight solutions using high-value powders such as titanium, Inconel, and cobalt-chrome.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Metal Powder Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

BY Material
• Ferrous
• Non-ferrous

BY Application
• Automotive
• Aerospace & Defense
• Healthcare
• Electronics
• Industrial Machinery
• Others

BY Technology
• Press & Sinter
• Metal Injection Molding
• Additive Manufacturing
• Others Show more