South Korea Metal Powder Market Overview, 2030

South Korea’s metal powder market is witnessing dynamic growth, driven by its deep integration into advanced manufacturing sectors such as electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), aerospace, and medical devices. Traditionally reliant on ferrous powders for applications in sintered parts and automotive components, the market is now evolving rapidly with the introduction of high-performance non-ferrous powders and the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Government-led industrial programs, including the Digital New Deal and K-Smart Manufacturing initiatives, are accelerating the adoption of next-generation manufacturing technologies. These policies promote automation, lightweight materials, and 3D printing in industrial production, which directly influence the demand for specialized metal powders. Concurrently, environmental directives are pushing firms to enhance powder recycling and reduce production-related emissions, stimulating investments in cleaner sintering processes and powder metallurgy recycling systems. The transition toward electric mobility and energy storage has also redefined material requirements. Metal powders are now integral to the production of EV battery components, heat sinks, and lightweight conductive parts. The competitive landscape in South Korea’s metal powder industry is characterized by a blend of domestic metallurgy firms, diversified conglomerates, and niche powder technology companies. Firms with strong roots in base metals and metallurgy have expanded their focus into advanced powder technologies to cater to demand from high-growth end-use industries. Local companies such as Korea Metal Powders Co., Iljin Materials, and Woori Materials are actively engaged in producing non-ferrous powders including copper, aluminum, and nickel-based products. These players are integrating automation in production and engaging in partnerships to co-develop powders tailored for additive manufacturing and thermal applications.

According to the research report “South Korea Metal Powder Market Overview, 2030,” published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Metal Powder market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.28% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The South Korean metal powder market is evolving into a high-value ecosystem driven by advanced manufacturing, R&D-led innovation, and government-supported digitization. Profitable models have emerged around service-integrated supply chains, particularly in additive manufacturing (AM), where companies not only provide powders but also offer prototyping, design support, and post-processing services. Rapid turnaround AM bureaus in Seoul have become commercially viable by addressing localized demands in sectors such as aerospace and medical devices. Collaborations like the GE Additive Incheon Industry-Academia Collaboration Institute program are helping small and medium enterprises transition to AM-based manufacturing by lowering technology and training barriers. Nonetheless, hidden costs continue to challenge profitability. The AM process is energy-intensive, and despite South Korea's relatively affordable industrial electricity rates, price volatility and grid disruptions introduce operational risks. feed stock volatility especially for alloy powders containing nickel, cobalt, and rare earths exerts cost pressure on high-spec applications. Capital-intensive machinery, powder atomization systems, and AI-driven quality control platforms demand significant investment and upkeep, particularly from emerging players. In terms of external factors, environmental pressures are intensifying. South Korea’s poor air quality has led to stricter regulations on industrial emissions, encouraging powder producers to adopt cleaner production methods and emissions monitoring systems. Water pollution laws are equally stringent, compelling compliance in waste discharge treatment.

In South Korea, the metal powder market by material is distinctly segmented into ferrous and non-ferrous categories, each exhibiting unique growth dynamics, technological applications, and end-user preferences. Ferrous metal powders, primarily composed of iron, steel, and their alloys, dominate volume consumption due to their extensive use in traditional industries such as automotive, construction, and heavy machinery manufacturing. Powder metallurgy components made from ferrous materials are widely applied in transmission systems, gears, and bearings, benefiting from their cost efficiency and magnetic properties. South Korea’s robust automotive sector, led by OEMs like Hyundai and Kia, remains a significant driver for iron-based powders, especially in press and sinter applications. Additionally, the defense industry’s focus on domestically developed machinery continues to support demand for iron powder due to its structural strength and affordability. Conversely, non-ferrous metal powders including aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, and cobalt are rapidly gaining ground, particularly in high-value sectors. The country’s push toward electrification, lightweighting, and green energy solutions has fueled demand for non-ferrous powders in electric vehicle (EV) battery systems, electronics, and aerospace components. Aluminum and copper powders are crucial for conductive and thermal management applications, while titanium and nickel are central to additive manufacturing in medical implants and turbine parts. The government’s sustained investment in aerospace R&D and the localization of defense technology has further elevated demand for specialized non-ferrous powders. However, sourcing and price volatility especially for imported rare metals pose ongoing challenges. As the market matures, South Korea is investing in domestic non-ferrous powder production and recycling innovations, aiming to reduce supply-chain risks and enhance self-sufficiency in critical materials.

In South Korea, the metal powder market by application is experiencing differentiated growth across sectors such as automotive, aerospace & defense, healthcare, electronics, and industrial machinery, each shaped by distinct technological and policy-driven dynamics. The automotive sector continues to dominate consumption, particularly for ferrous metal powders, which are essential in manufacturing sintered components for transmission, engine systems, and braking applications. With Hyundai, Kia, and other OEMs accelerating their shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), there is rising interest in non-ferrous powders particularly aluminum and copper for lightweighting, battery connectors, and thermal components. In the aerospace & defense sector, government-led initiatives under the ""Korean New Deal” and the Defense Reform Plan 2.0 are fostering demand for high-performance metal powders. Titanium, nickel, and cobalt powders are critical in producing lightweight, corrosion-resistant aerospace components and advanced military systems, often through additive manufacturing. The healthcare segment is also emerging as a significant consumer of metal powders, especially in the context of South Korea’s growing biomedical industry. Metal powders like titanium and stainless steel are increasingly used in orthopedic implants, dental prosthetics, and surgical instruments fabricated via 3D printing. The electronics sector, buoyed by giants such as Samsung and LG, uses fine metal powders for conductive pastes, electromagnetic shielding, and chip-level components. Demand is expanding with the proliferation of miniaturized devices and 5G infrastructures. Industrial machinery leverages both ferrous and non-ferrous powders for wear-resistant and high-strength components across automated manufacturing systems. Korea's advanced manufacturing backbone, supported by government funding and smart factory initiatives, continues to sustain steady demand for high-performance metal powders in this segment.

In South Korea, the metal powder market by technology comprising Press & Sinter, Metal Injection Molding (MIM), and Additive Manufacturing (AM) is evolving rapidly due to the country’s advanced industrial infrastructure, government support for smart manufacturing, and a strong focus on export-oriented high-precision components. The Press & Sinter segment continues to dominate in terms of volume, especially in the production of structural automotive parts, gears, and bearings. This technology benefits from mature supply chains and its integration into South Korea's robust automotive manufacturing ecosystem, which still favors high-throughput and cost-efficient sintering techniques for traditional ferrous and copper-based powders. Metal Injection Molding (MIM) has gained substantial traction in recent years, particularly in the electronics, medical device, and precision defense components sectors. South Korea’s leading electronics manufacturers, such as Samsung and LG, rely on MIM for miniaturized parts with tight tolerances and complex geometries. Stainless steel, titanium, and specialty alloy powders are widely used in this process. The technique is also crucial for producing intricate components for smart wearables and medical instruments. Furthermore, South Korea’s well-developed tool-and-die industry supports the scalability and customization needed for MIM applications. Additive Manufacturing (AM), though still a smaller share of the market, is the fastest-growing segment, driven by national initiatives like the “Manufacturing Innovation 3.0”policy. AM is gaining momentum in aerospace, defense, biomedical, and R&D-intensive applications, where design flexibility, material efficiency, and rapid prototyping are critical. Metal powders such as titanium, aluminum, Inconel, and stainless steel are widely adopted. Local companies are partnering with global AM system providers to enhance process capabilities and create a self-sustaining ecosystem for powder-based 3D printing.

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