Metal Forging Market

Metal Forging Market Forecast and Outlook (2025-2035)

The metal forging market stands at the threshold of a decade-long expansion trajectory that promises to reshape manufacturing technology and industrial component solutions. The market's journey from USD 76.0 billion in 2025 to USD 98.5 billion by 2035 represents substantial growth, demonstrating the accelerating adoption of advanced forging technology and manufacturing optimization across automotive facilities, aerospace applications, and industrial machinery sectors.

The first half of the decade (2025-2030) will witness the market climbing from USD 76.0 billion to approximately USD 86.5 billion, adding USD 10.5 billion in value, which constitutes 47% of the total forecast growth period. This phase will be characterized by the rapid adoption of open-die forging systems, driven by increasing automotive production volumes and the growing need for advanced component manufacturing solutions worldwide. Enhanced precision capabilities and automated forging systems will become standard expectations rather than premium options.

The latter half (2030-2035) will witness continued growth from USD 86.5 billion to USD 98.5 billion, representing an addition of USD 12.0 billion or 53% of the decade's expansion. This period will be defined by mass market penetration of specialized forging technologies, integration with comprehensive manufacturing platforms, and seamless compatibility with existing industrial infrastructure.

The market trajectory signals fundamental shifts in how automotive and aerospace industries approach component manufacturing and material optimization, with participants positioned to benefit from growing demand across multiple process types and material segments.

Quick Stats for Metal Forging Market

• Metal Forging Market Value (2025): USD 76.0 billion
• Metal Forging Market Forecast Value (2035): USD 98.5 billion
• Metal Forging Market Forecast CAGR: 2.6%
• Leading Process Type in Metal Forging Market: Open-die forging
• Key Growth Regions in Metal Forging Market: Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe
• Top Players in Metal Forging Market: Thyssenkrupp Forged Technologies, GKN, Bharat Forge, Firth Rixson, Schuler
• Where revenue comes from -- now vs next (industry-level view)

Period	Primary Revenue Buckets	Share	Notes
Today	Open-die forging	40%	Flexibility-driven, custom components
	Closed-die forging	36%	High-volume, precision applications
	Rolled ring & seamless	24%	Specialized applications, seamless components
Future (3-5 yrs)	Advanced open-die systems	42-46%	Automation integration, precision control
	Smart closed-die forging	34-38%	Digital monitoring, quality optimization
	Specialized rolling processes	18-22%	Advanced materials, complex geometries
	Additive-assisted forging	2-4%	Hybrid manufacturing, rapid prototyping

Metal Forging Market Key Takeaways

At-a-Glance Metrics

Metric	Value
Market Value (2025) →	USD 76.0 billion
Market Forecast (2035) ↑	USD 98.5 billion
Growth Rate ★	2.6% CAGR
Leading Process →	Open-die forging
Primary Material →	Steel forgings

The market demonstrates strong fundamentals with open-die forging capturing a dominant share through advanced manufacturing flexibility and custom component optimization. Steel forgings materials drive primary demand, supported by increasing automotive requirements and industrial component standards.

Geographic expansion remains concentrated in developed markets with established manufacturing infrastructure, while emerging economies show accelerating adoption rates driven by industrialization initiatives and rising manufacturing quality standards.

Imperatives for Stakeholders in Metal Forging Market

Design for manufacturing excellence, not just material shaping

• Offer forging packages: forging systems + quality control + material certification + technical specialists + process optimization.
• Preconfigured workflows: forging protocols, quality procedures, certification records, and digital tracking on manufacturing projects.

Technology readiness for Industry 4.0

• Real-time process monitoring, predictive maintenance capabilities, and smart manufacturing integration (IoT sensors, quality control systems).

Performance-by-design approach

• Automated forging systems, real-time quality mechanisms, statistical process monitoring integration, and paperless documentation.

Value-based manufacturing models

• Clear base forging price + transparent service tiers (quality control, material certification, process optimization); subscriptions for predictive maintenance services and manufacturing optimization.

Segmental Analysis

The market segments by process into open-die forging, closed-die forging, and rolled ring & seamless, representing the evolution from basic metal shaping to specialized high-performance solutions for comprehensive automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing optimization.

The material segmentation divides the market into steel forgings (58%), aluminum forgings (22%), and titanium & superalloys (20%) sectors, reflecting distinct requirements for strength characteristics, weight considerations, and performance specifications.

By application, the segmentation covers automotive & commercial vehicles (42%), aerospace & defense (26%), and industrial machinery (32%) categories, addressing different manufacturing requirements from high-volume automotive to precision aerospace applications.

The segmentation structure reveals technology progression from basic forging processes toward specialized high-performance systems with enhanced precision consistency and quality capabilities, while material diversity spans from traditional steel to advanced aerospace alloys requiring precise forging solutions.

By Process, the Open-die Forging Segment Accounts for Dominant Market Share

Open-die forging systems command the leading position in the metal forging market with 40% market share through advanced manufacturing features, including superior flexibility characteristics, custom capability, and process versatility that enable manufacturers to achieve optimal component quality across diverse automotive and industrial applications.

The segment benefits from manufacturer preference for flexible forging systems that provide consistent quality performance, reduced tooling costs, and manufacturing optimization without requiring significant equipment modifications. Advanced open-die features enable automated handling systems, precision control, and integration with existing manufacturing equipment, where manufacturing flexibility and component quality represent critical production requirements.

Open-die forging systems differentiate through proven manufacturing reliability, consistent quality characteristics, and integration with automated manufacturing systems that enhance production effectiveness while maintaining optimal cost standards for diverse automotive and industrial applications.

Key market characteristics:

• Advanced open-die designs with optimized flexibility configuration and precision control capabilities
• Enhanced manufacturing effectiveness, enabling 25-35% tooling cost reduction with reliable performance
• Production compatibility, including automated handling systems, quality integration, and process optimization for forging performance

Closed-die Forging Show Strong High-Volume Applications

Closed-die forging systems maintain a 36% market position in the metal forging market due to their proven precision capabilities and high-volume production characteristics. These systems appeal to manufacturers requiring consistent quality with competitive positioning for automotive and high-volume applications. Market growth is driven by precision manufacturing segment expansion, emphasizing quality solutions and operational efficiency through proven processes.

Rolled Ring & Seamless Serve Specialized Applications

Rolled ring & seamless processes account for 24% market share, serving specialized applications requiring seamless components and unique geometry characteristics for aerospace and specialized manufacturing requirements.

By Material, the Steel Forgings Segment Shows Market Leadership

Steel forgings materials demonstrate market leadership in the metal forging market with 58% share due to widespread adoption of steel-based systems and increasing focus on strength requirements, durability optimization, and cost effectiveness that maximize manufacturing performance while maintaining strength standards.

Manufacturing operators prioritize steel consistency, strength performance, and integration with existing manufacturing infrastructure that enables coordinated forging operations across multiple component systems. The segment benefits from substantial industrial investment and proven material programs that emphasize the acquisition of reliable steel systems for strength optimization and manufacturing efficiency applications.

Manufacturing programs incorporate steel forging systems as standard components for component operations, while strength trends increase demand for consistent steel capabilities that comply with strength standards and minimize material costs.

Application dynamics include:

• Strong growth in automotive manufacturing requiring reliable strength capabilities
• Increasing adoption in strength optimization and durability applications for industrial manufacturers
• Rising integration with automated manufacturing systems for operational optimization and quality assurance

Aluminum Forgings Applications Maintain Strong Lightweight Demand

Aluminum forgings applications capture 22% market share through comprehensive weight requirements in aerospace applications, lightweight components, and automotive lightweighting operations. These facilities demand reliable forging systems capable of operating with aluminum materials while providing effective weight integration and strength capabilities.

Titanium & Superalloys Applications Show High-Performance Growth

Titanium & superalloys applications account for 20% market share, including aerospace components, high-temperature applications, and specialty manufacturing requiring efficient forging solutions for performance optimization and advanced material processing.

By End Use, the Automotive & Commercial Vehicles Segment Leads Market Share

The automotive & commercial vehicles segment commands 42% market share through widespread adoption in vehicle component applications, automotive manufacturing, and commercial vehicle production. These systems provide automotive solutions for comprehensive vehicle requirements while maintaining forging consistency and manufacturing reliability.

Industrial Machinery Show Strong Equipment Demand

Industrial machinery applications capture 32% market share, serving equipment manufacturing, industrial components, and machinery operations requiring industrial capabilities for component manufacturing and equipment optimization.

Aerospace & Defense Show Specialized Growth

Aerospace & defense applications account for 26% market share, including aircraft components, defense applications, and aerospace manufacturing requiring specialized capabilities for precision manufacturing and high-performance component production.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Metal Forging Market?

Category	Factor	Impact	Why It Matters
Driver	Automotive industry growth & lightweighting (vehicle production, fuel efficiency)	★★★★★	Large-scale automotive manufacturing requires advanced forging with consistent quality and strength integration across component applications.
Driver	Aerospace sector expansion & advanced materials (aircraft production, performance requirements)	★★★★★	Drives demand for high-performance forging solutions and aerospace-compliant capabilities; suppliers providing advanced materials processing gain competitive advantage.
Driver	Infrastructure development & industrial machinery (construction equipment, heavy machinery)	★★★★☆	Manufacturers need reliable, high-strength forging solutions; demand for industrial components expanding addressable market segments.
Restraint	Raw material costs & supply chain volatility (steel prices, material availability)	★★★★☆	Cost-sensitive manufacturers face material pressure; increases forging costs and affects adoption in price-sensitive segments with limited margins.
Restraint	Energy costs & environmental regulations (heating requirements, emission standards)	★★★☆☆	Efficiency-focused operations face cost challenges; complex environmental requirements limiting adoption in energy-intensive segments.
Trend	Digitalization & Industry 4.0 integration (smart forging, process monitoring)	★★★★★	Growing demand for intelligent forging solutions; digital capabilities become core value proposition in automated manufacturing segments.
Trend	Additive manufacturing integration & hybrid processes (3D printing, rapid tooling)	★★★★☆	Technology advancement drives demand for hybrid forging solutions; additive capabilities drive differentiation toward innovative manufacturing applications.

Analysis of the Metal Forging Market by Key Country

The metal forging market demonstrates varied regional dynamics with growth leaders including USA (3.1% growth rate) and Mexico (2.9% growth rate) driving expansion through automotive manufacturing initiatives and industrial development.

Strong performers encompass Germany (2.6% growth rate), France (2.6% growth rate), and UK (2.4% growth rate), benefiting from established manufacturing industries and automotive infrastructure. Mature markets feature South Korea (2.4% growth rate) and Japan (2.2% growth rate), where automotive optimization and industrial manufacturing requirements support consistent growth patterns.

Regional synthesis reveals North American markets leading adoption through automotive expansion and industrial development trends, while European countries maintain steady expansion supported by manufacturing modernization and quality standards. Emerging markets show strong growth driven by automotive applications and industrial manufacturing trends.

Region/Country	2025-2035 Growth	How to win	What to watch out
USA	3.1%	Focus on automotive lightweighting solutions	Energy costs; environmental regulations
Mexico	2.9%	Value-oriented automotive manufacturing	Infrastructure challenges; technical expertise
Germany	2.6%	Offer premium engineering systems	Over-engineering; environmental compliance
France	2.6%	Provide aerospace applications	Market competition; regulatory complexity
UK	2.4%	Push advanced manufacturing technologies	Post-Brexit automotive; supply chain issues
South Korea	2.4%	Lead with automotive applications	Technology costs; domestic competition
Japan	2.2%	Premium quality positioning	Market maturity; cost optimization

USA Drives Fastest Market Growth

USA establishes fastest market growth through comprehensive automotive expansion programs and extensive industrial development, integrating advanced metal forging systems as standard components in automotive facilities, aerospace manufacturing, and industrial production installations.

The country's 3.1% growth rate reflects industry initiatives promoting manufacturing advancement and forging optimization capabilities that mandate the use of advanced forging systems in production projects.

Growth concentrates in major manufacturing centers, including Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, where automotive technology development showcases integrated forging systems that appeal to manufacturers seeking advanced component capabilities and manufacturing optimization applications.

American manufacturers are developing high-performance metal forging solutions that combine domestic manufacturing advantages with advanced process features, including automation systems and enhanced quality compatibility. Distribution channels through manufacturing equipment distributors and automotive service providers expand market access, while manufacturing investment support for automotive production supports adoption across diverse manufacturing segments.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Manufacturing facilities leading adoption with 76% deployment rate in automotive production and aerospace manufacturing sectors
• Government manufacturing programs providing substantial support for domestic automotive technology development
• Local forging manufacturers capturing 49% market share through competitive pricing and localized manufacturing support
• Export market development for forged components targeting international automotive and aerospace markets

Mexico Emerges as High-Growth Market

In Mexico's automotive regions, including Bajío, Nuevo León, and Chihuahua, manufacturing facilities and automotive operations are implementing advanced forging systems as standard components for component production and manufacturing enhancement, driven by increasing automotive investment and manufacturing modernization programs that emphasize the importance of component quality capabilities.

The market holds a 2.9% growth rate, supported by government manufacturing initiatives and automotive development programs that promote advanced forging systems for automotive applications. Mexican operators are adopting forging systems that provide consistent manufacturing performance and cost-effectiveness features, particularly appealing in automotive regions where production efficiency and component quality represent critical operational requirements.

Market expansion benefits from growing automotive processing capabilities and manufacturing agreements that enable domestic deployment of cost-effective forging systems for automotive applications. Technology adoption follows patterns established in automotive manufacturing, where quality and reliability drive procurement decisions and operational deployment.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Automotive expansion programs driving 73% growth in forging equipment adoption across manufacturing sectors
• USMCA automotive agreements facilitating cross-border manufacturing equipment supply and technical expertise sharing
• Domestic automotive manufacturers capturing 45% market share through competitive production costs and regional expertise
• Regional export growth for cost-effective forged components targeting Central American automotive markets

Germany Shows Manufacturing Excellence Leadership

Germany's advanced manufacturing technology market demonstrates sophisticated forging system deployment with documented operational effectiveness in automotive applications and aerospace projects through integration with existing manufacturing systems and production infrastructure.

The country leverages engineering expertise in forging technology and manufacturing integration to maintain a 2.6% growth rate. Manufacturing centers, including Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria, showcase premium installations where forging systems integrate with comprehensive manufacturing platforms and quality management systems to optimize production operations and manufacturing effectiveness.

German manufacturers prioritize manufacturing precision and EU automotive compliance in product development, creating demand for premium systems with advanced features, including quality monitoring integration and automated manufacturing systems.

The market benefits from established manufacturing infrastructure and willingness to invest in advanced forging technologies that provide long-term production benefits and compliance with international quality standards.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Manufacturing excellence initiatives leading adoption with 78% deployment rate in automotive production and aerospace manufacturing sectors
• EU manufacturing regulations providing substantial support for domestic automotive technology development and quality standards
• German engineering companies capturing 56% market share through premium quality positioning and technical excellence
• Technology export leadership for forging equipment targeting international automotive and aerospace manufacturing markets

France Shows Aerospace Applications Focus

France establishes aerospace applications focus through comprehensive manufacturing modernization and aerospace development, integrating forging systems across aerospace facilities and manufacturing operations. The country's 2.6% growth rate reflects mature aerospace relationships and established manufacturing adoption that supports widespread use of forging systems in French and European facilities.

Growth concentrates in major aerospace centers, including Toulouse, Paris, and Lyon, where aerospace technology showcases mature forging deployment that appeals to operators seeking proven aerospace capabilities and manufacturing optimization applications.

French manufacturers leverage established aerospace networks and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, including aerospace programs and technical support that create manufacturer relationships and operational advantages.

The market benefits from mature aerospace standards and manufacturing requirements that mandate forging system use while supporting technology advancement and aerospace optimization.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Aerospace industry modernization programs driving 70% adoption rate in manufacturing and aerospace production sectors
• French aerospace regulations supporting domestic manufacturing technology advancement and quality standards
• Local aerospace suppliers capturing 47% market share through specialized applications and technical expertise
• European market expansion for French forging solutions targeting aerospace development projects across EU markets

UK Shows Advanced Manufacturing Development

UK establishes advanced manufacturing development through comprehensive industrial modernization and technology integration, integrating forging systems across automotive and aerospace applications. The country's 2.4% growth rate reflects growing manufacturing investment and increasing adoption of forging technology that supports expanding use of component systems in UK manufacturing facilities.

Growth concentrates in major manufacturing areas, including West Midlands, Northwest, and Yorkshire, where manufacturing technology development showcases integrated forging systems that appeal to UK manufacturers seeking advanced component solutions with manufacturing compatibility.

UK manufacturers focus on maintaining manufacturing standards while adopting advanced production positioning, creating demand for systems that balance performance with operational advantages. The market benefits from strong manufacturing infrastructure and growing automotive opportunities that support forging technology adoption while maintaining quality standards important to UK manufacturing applications.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Post-Brexit manufacturing programs driving 67% adoption rate in domestic automotive and aerospace manufacturing sectors
• UK manufacturing regulations supporting independent production technology development and quality assurance standards
• British manufacturing companies capturing 43% market share through innovation focus and regulatory compliance expertise
• Commonwealth market expansion for UK forging solutions targeting international manufacturing projects and automotive development

Europe Market Split by Country

The metal forging market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 19.8 billion in 2025 to USD 24.2 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 2.0% over the forecast period. Germany is expected to maintain its leadership position with a 33.8% market share in 2025, declining slightly to 33.3% by 2035, supported by its advanced manufacturing infrastructure and major automotive hubs including Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia.

France follows with a 25.3% share in 2025, projected to reach 25.8% by 2035, driven by comprehensive aerospace programs and manufacturing modernization strategies. The UK holds a 22.6% share in 2025, expected to decrease to 22.2% by 2035 due to post-Brexit manufacturing adjustments. Italy commands a 12.6% share, while Spain accounts for 5.1% in 2025.

The Rest of Europe is anticipated to gain momentum, expanding its collective share from 0.5% to 0.7% by 2035, attributed to increasing manufacturing modernization adoption in Nordic countries and emerging Eastern European automotive facilities implementing forging programs.

Japan Demonstrates Manufacturing Precision Focus

Japan's advanced manufacturing technology market demonstrates sophisticated forging system deployment with documented operational effectiveness in precision automotive applications and industrial projects through integration with existing quality systems and manufacturing infrastructure.

The country maintains a 2.2% growth rate, leveraging traditional manufacturing expertise and systematic integration in forging technology. Manufacturing centers, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, showcase premium installations where forging systems integrate with traditional quality platforms and modern manufacturing management systems to optimize production operations and maintain manufacturing quality profiles.

Japanese manufacturers prioritize manufacturing precision and quality consistency in forging development, creating demand for premium systems with advanced features, including quality monitoring and automated manufacturing systems. The market benefits from established precision infrastructure and commitment to manufacturing standards that provide long-term production benefits and compliance with traditional precision manufacturing methods.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Quality-focused manufacturing programs driving 75% adoption rate in precision automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors
• Japanese manufacturing standards supporting domestic precision forging technology development and quality excellence
• Local precision manufacturers capturing 53% market share through superior quality control and technical precision
• Asian market leadership for Japanese forging solutions targeting high-quality manufacturing projects across Asia-Pacific regions

South Korea Shows Manufacturing Innovation Development

South Korea establishes manufacturing innovation development through comprehensive automotive modernization and technology integration, integrating forging systems across automotive-focused manufacturing and industrial applications. The country's 2.4% growth rate reflects growing automotive investment and increasing adoption of forging technology that supports expanding use of component systems in Korean automotive facilities.

Growth concentrates in major automotive areas, including Ulsan, Gyeonggi, and South Chungcheong, where automotive technology development showcases integrated forging systems that appeal to Korean manufacturers seeking advanced component solutions with automotive compatibility.

Korean manufacturers focus on maintaining innovation standards while adopting automotive-integrated efficiency, creating demand for systems that balance performance with technological advantages. The market benefits from strong automotive infrastructure and growing innovation opportunities that support forging technology adoption while maintaining quality standards important to Korean automotive applications.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Smart manufacturing initiatives driving 72% adoption rate in technology-integrated automotive and industrial sectors
• Korean innovation programs supporting domestic automotive technology development and digital integration capabilities
• Local automotive technology companies capturing 50% market share through innovation focus and technological advancement
• Northeast Asian market expansion for Korean forging solutions targeting smart manufacturing projects and technology-driven automotive applications

Competitive Landscape of the Metal Forging Market

• Structure: ~15-20 credible players; top 5 hold ~38-43% by revenue.
• Leadership is maintained through: manufacturing expertise, material capabilities, and quality reliability (process control + material knowledge + global reach).
• What's commoditizing: standard steel forging processes and basic automotive components.
• Margin Opportunities: advanced materials processing, automated forging systems, and comprehensive manufacturing packages (quality control, material certification, process optimization).

Stakeholder	What they actually control	Typical strengths	Typical blind spots
Global manufacturing platforms	Production scale, material expertise, automotive relationships	Broad process capability, proven reliability, automotive industry relationships	Innovation cycles; specialized materials
Aerospace forging specialists	Advanced materials; precision processes; aerospace certification	Superior performance; aerospace knowledge; certification expertise	Market reach; cost competitiveness
Regional manufacturers	Local production, market knowledge, competitive costs	"Close to customer" service; competitive pricing; regional expertise	Technology gaps; advanced materials
Automotive tier suppliers	OEM relationships, volume production, automotive expertise	Automotive knowledge; volume capabilities; supply chain integration	Technology advancement; material innovation
Process equipment providers	Forging machinery, automation systems, digital solutions	Latest technology first; process optimization; automation capabilities	Manufacturing market penetration; component expertise

The competitive landscape demonstrates increasing focus on automation and advanced materials, with leading players leveraging comprehensive manufacturing portfolios to maintain market position. Innovation centers on digitalization and aerospace materials processing, while regional players compete through cost advantages and local service.

Market dynamics favor companies with strong automotive relationships and advanced materials capabilities, as lightweighting requirements drive demand for specialized, high-performance forging solutions across automotive and aerospace applications.

Key Players in the Metal Forging Market

• Thyssenkrupp Forged Technologies GmbH
• GKN plc (forging divisions)
• Bharat Forge Limited
• Firth Rixson Ltd.
• Schuler AG (forging presses)
• Arconic Corporation (forged components)
• Doosan Forging Co. Ltd.
• Kobe Steel, Ltd.
• Howmet Aerospace Inc. (forgings)
• Alcoa Corporation (forging lines)

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units (2025)	USD 76.0 billion
Process Type	Open-die forging, Closed-die forging, Rolled ring & seamless
Material	Steel forgings, Aluminum forgings, Titanium & superalloys
End Use	Automotive & commercial vehicles, Aerospace & defense, Industrial machinery
Regions Covered	Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	USA, Germany, Japan, UK, France, South Korea, Mexico, and 30+ additional countries
Key Companies Profiled	Thyssenkrupp Forged Technologies, GKN, Bharat Forge, Firth Rixson, Schuler, Arconic
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by process and material categories, regional adoption trends across Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe, competitive landscape with forging manufacturers and component suppliers, manufacturer preferences for quality consistency and forging reliability, integration with manufacturing platforms and quality systems, innovations in forging technology and process enhancement, and development of advanced automated solutions with enhanced performance and manufacturing optimization capabilities.

Metal Forging Market by Segments

Process:

• Open-die Forging
• Closed-die Forging
• Rolled Ring & Seamless

Material:

• Steel Forgings
• Aluminum Forgings
• Titanium & Superalloys

End Use:

• Automotive & Commercial Vehicles
• Aerospace & Defense
• Industrial Machinery

Region:

• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• ASEAN
• Australia & New Zealand
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa