Jun 15 2009
Significant changes have taken place in the carbon fiber market in the last 4 to 5 years. There was a shortage of carbon fiber from 2005 to 2006, however due to the global economic recession, the market scenario is rapidly changing.
From the perspective of carbon fiber suppliers, demand has slipped noticeably in the last six months as the global economy has worsened. At the same time, supply has increased to where some manufacturers now have ample supply of carbon fiber with relatively short lead times to consumers. Based on Lucintel's research of carbon fiber suppliers, manufacturer's pricing power has decreased during last 6 months with many reducing or under pressure to reduce prices for both pitch and pan based carbon fiber. Representatives at major manufacturers of carbon fiber foresee weak demand would likely continue until a turnaround can be identified in the global economy.
According to Lucintel research on the demand side, most of the industrial, sporting goods and aerospace markets are expecting to see negative growth in 2009 except for select markets such as wind energy and the commercial aerospace market. However the general aviation market, due to a marked decline in orders and usage of existing fleets, is estimated to see a double digit drop in 2009.
The global carbon fiber market has grown at double digits over the last 5 years and is forecasted to grow to $2.4 billion in 2014 from $1.5 billion in 2008, according to Lucintel. In 2009, the global carbon fiber market is expected to have a positive growth of 1.8% mainly due to demand growth in commercial aerospace and the wind energy market. The carbon fiber market is expected to rebound in 2010 and beyond as the market is estimated to recover from the credit crunch and economic recession.
Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm with over 700 clients worldwide, has analyzed the carbon fiber market and just published a comprehensive research report entitled "Growth Opportunities in the Carbon Fiber Market 2009-2014". In the report, Lucintel identifies the highest and lowest potential growth applications in the carbon fiber market.
This research report contains market size estimates for the top 16 segments in the global carbon fiber market, a Porter's five forces analysis for carbon fiber opportunities in the market, trends and forecasts in terms of volume and value shipment, growth drivers and many other elements, which can help you to make confident business decisions in this globally competitive carbon fiber marketplace.