Steady growth for arc welding equipment & filler metals market

January 11, 2012 10:54 am

According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Arc Welding Equipment and Filler Metals Market After Asia Pacific, the EMEA region has been the second biggest contributor to the revival of the world arc welding equipment and filler metals market, with Eastern Europe and Middle East being the most important markets in the area. The analysis finds that the market earned revenues of $11.70 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach $19.29 billion in 2017.
The energy industry contributed the most to market growth in 2010, as it was the least affected by the downturn. This was due to the continuous demand for filler metals, as end-users preferred to invest in these lower-priced products during the slowdown. In addition, this industry has considerable infrastructure requirements as well as repairs and maintenance in pipelines, offshore, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks, wind turbine installations and the nuclear sector.
There is also substantial demand from automotive and transportation, construction and infrastructure, industrial expansion in emerging economies and the expected hike in steel consumption in machinery and equipment. Foreign direct investments (FDI) as well as a rise in emerging technologies such as energy-saving machines and corrosion-resistant filler metals that save costs have given a boost to the sales of arc welding equipment and filler metals in these sectors.
The rising base material costs are compelling manufacturers to raise the prices of their products, although customers are seeking more advanced technology, quality and services, at lower prices. A large number of smaller participants from China are able to match this requirement for a wide product range at affordable prices, while the influx of participants from Korea has also helped ease the demand for arc welding equipment and filler metals.