Industrial Gas for Metals And Metal Fabrication Market
By Type;
Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen and OthersBy Function;
Metal Manufacturing and FabricationBy Storage;
Cylinder, Merchant Liquid and TonnageBy End-Use;
Metal, Automotive, Aerospace and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Overview
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market (USD Million)
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market was valued at USD 56,341.82 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 82,504.62 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6%.
Industrial Gas for Metals And Metal Fabrication Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 5.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 5.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 56,341.82 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 82,504.62 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 342 |
Major Players
- Praxair, Inc.
- Airgas, Inc.
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Iwatani Corporation
- Messer Group
- The Linde Group
- Southern Industrial Gas SDN. BHD.
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Industrial Gas for Metals And Metal Fabrication Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market continues to grow due to the increasing need for accuracy and efficiency in metalworking processes. These gases are now used in over 65% of fabrication setups for applications like welding and cutting. Their role is becoming critical in meeting productivity goals while ensuring safety across manufacturing operations.
Rising Utilization in Heat-Based Techniques
The use of gases such as oxygen, argon, and acetylene has surged by over 48% in processes requiring heat application. These gases are essential in laser and plasma-based cutting, supporting precision in handling complex metals. This trend highlights a deeper reliance on gas-based technologies to optimize fabrication accuracy and material integrity.
Safety and Environmental Standards Adoption
Industrial gases are also becoming central to eco-conscious and safety-focused practices. Usage of inert and emission-reducing gases has increased by 42%, as manufacturers aim to meet compliance benchmarks. These gases support safer operations while improving process quality by limiting oxidation and particulate formation.
Customization in Metal Fabrication Fueling Demand
As demand for tailored metal solutions grows, over 60% of metalworkers now rely on adaptable gas systems. Custom gas blends are enhancing flexibility across diverse alloys and techniques. This growing emphasis on precision and responsiveness is shaping a more advanced and application-specific market landscape.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Recent Developments
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In July 2024, Honeywell finalized a US1.81 billion cash acquisition of Air Products’ LNG process‑technology and cryogenic‑equipment unit, boosting its industrial‑gas offering for metal fabrication and energy sectors.
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In September 2023, Westfalen launched a new high‑capacity industrial‑gas filling plant in Arzal, France, enhancing its support to European metals‑fabrication supply chains with fresh onsite gas stock and faster delivery.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by Type, Function, Storage, End-use, and Geography.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, Segmentation by Type
The Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by Type into Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Others.
Oxygen
Oxygen is widely used in metal fabrication processes such as cutting, welding, and brazing due to its ability to support combustion. It plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and precision. Nearly 35% of the total industrial gas consumption in the metal industry is attributed to oxygen, making it one of the most dominant gas types in this segment.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is primarily utilized for blanketing and purging applications to prevent oxidation during processing. It is also vital in heat treatment and cooling systems. Accounting for around 28% of the industrial gas usage in metal fabrication, nitrogen ensures superior product integrity and surface finish.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen finds its application in annealing and reduction processes due to its reducing properties. It is essential for treating stainless steel and other specialty alloys. Representing approximately 18% of the industrial gas demand in the sector, hydrogen is valued for creating a clean and oxide-free finish.
Others
This category includes gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, and helium, used for shielding, inerting, and welding tasks. Though individually smaller in usage, collectively these gases contribute to about 19% of the total gas utilization. Specialty gases in this group play key roles in niche and precision-driven fabrication applications.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, Segmentation by Function
The Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by Function into Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication.
Metal Manufacturing
Metal manufacturing heavily relies on industrial gases for processes such as smelting, refining, and casting. Gases like oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are used to enhance combustion, reduce impurities, and control atmospheric conditions. This segment accounts for nearly 60% of the overall gas usage in the metals industry, highlighting its extensive operational demand.
Fabrication
In fabrication, industrial gases support applications like cutting, welding, brazing, and surface treatment. Shielding gases and purging gases are particularly vital in ensuring clean and precise work. Approximately 40% of the industrial gases in this market are consumed in the fabrication segment, driven by its wide adoption across automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, Segmentation by Storage
The Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by Mode into Cylinder, Merchant Liquid, and Tonnage.
Cylinder
The cylinder mode involves the supply of industrial gases in high-pressure containers, ideal for small to mid-scale operations. It offers flexibility and ease of transport, especially for on-site welding and fabrication jobs. This mode constitutes about 32% of the total market usage, favored for its accessibility and minimal infrastructure requirements.
Merchant Liquid
Merchant liquid mode caters to medium-to-large scale industries, where gases are delivered in bulk liquid form and stored in cryogenic tanks. Used widely in continuous production environments, it accounts for roughly 45% of the total consumption due to its cost-effectiveness over time and reduced delivery frequency.
Tonnage
Tonnage supply is designed for very large industrial setups where gases are produced and delivered via pipeline systems. This mode is preferred for high-volume, uninterrupted operations such as integrated steel manufacturing. It represents about 23% of the market share, driven by its efficiency and large-scale utility.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, Segmentation by End-use
The Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by End-use into Metal, Automotive, Aerospace, and Others.
Metal
The metal industry is the primary consumer of industrial gases, leveraging them for smelting, refining, and heat treatment. Gases like oxygen and hydrogen improve energy efficiency and product quality. This segment accounts for nearly 46% of the total end-use demand, making it the largest contributor to market growth.
Automotive
In the automotive sector, industrial gases are crucial for welding, cutting, and coating applications. These gases ensure precision and durability in vehicle components. The automotive segment consumes around 27% of the market’s industrial gases, driven by rising vehicle production and automation.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry uses high-purity gases for fabricating aircraft parts, ensuring structural integrity and resistance to extreme conditions. Applications include inerting, heat treatment, and welding of high-performance alloys. It contributes approximately 15% to the overall demand due to the precision and quality requirements in this field.
Others
This category includes industries like construction, electronics, and shipbuilding where industrial gases are used for specific fabrication and treatment processes. Collectively, these applications make up about 12% of the market, showcasing the diverse and expanding use of gases across multiple sectors.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds a significant share in the market due to its advanced metal processing infrastructure and widespread adoption of automated fabrication technologies. The region contributes approximately 29% to the global demand, driven by a strong presence of the aerospace and automotive industries.
Europe
Europe is a mature market with consistent demand for industrial gases across steel manufacturing and precision engineering. The region accounts for nearly 24% of global consumption, supported by stringent quality standards and growing investments in clean manufacturing technologies.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific dominates the market with around 34% share, driven by rapid industrialization, expanding infrastructure development, and a robust automotive and metal production base in countries like China, India, and Japan. The region is witnessing rising adoption of industrial gases in both manufacturing and fabrication activities.
Middle East and Africa
This region is experiencing gradual growth in demand due to expanding metal fabrication capacity and government-driven infrastructure projects. It holds nearly 7% of the market, with notable opportunities emerging in the construction and energy sectors.
Latin America
Latin America contributes about 6% to the global market, fueled by growth in automotive manufacturing and steel processing industries, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. The region is steadily adopting industrial gases to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers,Restraints, and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Metal Production Growth
- Energy Efficiency and Environmental Regulations
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Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Development - Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are strong drivers of the industrial gases for metals & metal fabrication market, as expanding construction activities demand significant volumes of processed metal components. Industrial gases such as oxygen, argon, nitrogen, and acetylene play a crucial role in welding, cutting, brazing, and other fabrication processes essential for building bridges, railways, skyscrapers, and industrial complexes. The surge in urban expansion, particularly across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, directly boosts demand for metal fabrication and, consequently, industrial gases.
In parallel, government-led infrastructure investments in smart cities, transportation networks, and renewable energy installations are accelerating the need for high-quality, precision-fabricated metal structures. Industrial gases ensure efficiency, clean processing, and enhanced productivity in metalworking applications. As urbanization continues to reshape global economies, the need for robust fabrication support will solidify industrial gases as indispensable inputs in the metals value chain.
Restraints:
- Volatility in Raw Material Prices
- High Initial Investment Costs
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Energy Intensive Production Processes - Energy intensive production processes act as a key restraint in the industrial gases for metals & metal fabrication market, as the generation, liquefaction, and transportation of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon require substantial energy input. This not only elevates operational costs but also contributes to a higher environmental footprint, especially in regions dependent on fossil fuel-based electricity. Rising energy prices and carbon regulations further compound cost pressures, limiting profitability and deterring investment in new capacity.
Moreover, energy-intensive operations face increasing scrutiny under global sustainability mandates, pushing manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and greener production methods. While efforts are underway to improve process efficiency, the initial capital investment for upgrading plants and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources remains a barrier. Until energy optimization becomes more widespread and affordable, the high energy demand of industrial gas production will continue to challenge market expansion.
Opportunities:
- Rising Demand for High-Quality Metals
- Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability
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Market Expansion in Developing Regions - Market expansion in developing regions offers strong growth opportunities for the industrial gases for metals & metal fabrication market, driven by rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, and foreign direct investments. Countries across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East are increasing their focus on building transportation networks, manufacturing hubs, and energy infrastructure—activities that demand extensive metalworking supported by industrial gases. This rising demand is fostering the need for localized production and distribution networks to ensure consistent gas supply.
Additionally, governments in developing economies are promoting domestic manufacturing under industrial growth initiatives, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships. These programs are attracting global players to set up operations and invest in regional facilities. With relatively untapped markets and growing demand for precision fabrication, developing regions provide a strategic advantage for companies aiming to expand their footprint and capitalize on the structural transformation of emerging economies.
Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market include:
- Linde plc
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Praxair Inc.
- Messer Group GmbH
- Iwatani Corporation
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
- Airgas, Inc.
- Matheson Tri-Gas Inc.
- Southern Industrial Gas Sdn Bhd
- Universal Industrial Gases Inc.
- nexAir LLC
- Cryotec Anlagenbau GmbH
- Gulf Cryo
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Function
- Market Snapshot, By Storage
- Market Snapshot, By End-use
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Metal Production Growth
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Energy Efficiency and Environmental Regulations
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Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Development
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- Restraints
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Volatility in Raw Material Prices
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High Initial Investment Costs
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Energy Intensive Production Processes
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- Opportunities
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Rising Demand for High-Quality Metals
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Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability
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Market Expansion in Developing Regions
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Oxygen
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Nitrogen
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Hydrogen
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Others
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- Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By Function, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Metal Manufacturing
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Fabrication
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Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By Storage, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Cylinder
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Merchant Liquid
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Tonnage
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Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By End-use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Metal
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Automotive
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Aerospace
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Others
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Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
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- Industrial Gases for Metals & Metal Fabrication Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Linde plc
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Praxair Inc.
- Messer Group GmbH
- Iwatani Corporation
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
- Airgas, Inc.
- Matheson Tri-Gas Inc.
- Southern Industrial Gas Sdn Bhd
- Universal Industrial Gases Inc.
- nexAir LLC
- Cryotec Anlagenbau GmbH
- Gulf Cryo
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market