Global Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Storage;
Cylinder & Packaged Gas and Merchant Liquid/BulkBy Type;
Argon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and OthersBy Application;
Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and OthersBy End Use Industry;
Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication, Construction, Energy, Aerospace, and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Overview
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market (USD Million)
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market was valued at USD 3,334.99 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 4,948.73 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%.
Global Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 5.8 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
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Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 5.8 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 3,334.99 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 4,948.73 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 342 |
Major Players
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
- Iwatani Corporation
- Praxair Inc.
- The Linde Group
- Southern Industrial Gas
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
- Messer Group
- Gulf Cryo
- Iceblick Ltd.
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Global Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market serves as an essential enabler of high-quality welds, ensuring durability and performance across industries. Accounting for 25% of the total welding consumables market, shielding gases are indispensable in modern fabrication. With inert gases capturing roughly 55% of the market, purity standards drive manufacturing priorities. The market’s focus on specialized gas solutions underscores its technological relevance and future potential. Continued innovation is expected to further elevate market importance.
Gas Types and Usage
Dominated by inert options (argon, helium) and semi-inert blends (CO₂ mixes), each gas formulation offers distinct welding advantages. CO₂-based blends account for around 30%, prized for cost efficiency in steel welding processes. Proper gas selection is crucial, as composition impacts weld integrity and surface finish. Manufacturers continually invest in advanced blend technologies to address varying welding needs.
Key Demand Drivers
The surge in industrial automation and robotic welding has led to heightened demand, with MIG/TIG processes using shielding gases in over 35% of applications. Automotive and shipbuilding sectors remain primary consumers, demanding consistent gas flow and performance reliability. High-strength steel adoption intensifies the requirement for optimized gas mixtures that minimize oxidation. Operator safety concerns further boost demand for low-toxicity gas options. Process optimization and efficiency goals continue to propel market consumption.
Technological Innovations
Modern gas delivery mechanisms featuring precision regulators cut wastage by up to 20%, enhancing operational efficiency. High-purity argon and helium blends cater to precision welding in aerospace and electronics, ensuring critical performance standards. The integration of real-time sensing and automated control systems maintains consistent gas ratios, reducing defects. Eco-friendly biodegradable packaging solutions reflect a shift to sustainable practices, addressing environmental concerns. Ongoing R&D targets bespoke gas formulations that meet emerging material and process specifications.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Recent Developments
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In May 2025, American Welding & Gas strengthened its reach by acquiring Grant Hagberg Co., a top bulk and cylinder CO₂ and dry ice distributor. This strategic acquisition enhances its supply chain efficiency and broadens regional distribution. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding service offerings and meeting rising industrial demand.
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In May 2025, CPI Aerostructures completed the acquisition of Welding Metallurgy Inc., adding specialized welding and metallurgical expertise. This strategic deal enhances CPI’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and deepens technical know‑how. It positions the company for innovation growth and improved market competitiveness.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by Storage, Type, Application, End-Use Industry, and Geography.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, Segmentation by Storage
The Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by Storage into Cylinder & Packaged Gas, and Merchant Liquid/Bulk.
Cylinder & Packaged Gas
The Cylinder & Packaged Gas segment dominates the welding gas storage format due to its ease of handling and widespread industrial usage. It is extensively used in small- to mid-scale welding operations where portability and space efficiency are critical. This format accounts for approximately 65% of the overall demand due to its cost-effective distribution and convenience in applications across construction, metal fabrication, and automotive sectors.
Merchant Liquid/Bulk
The Merchant Liquid/Bulk segment caters to high-volume consumers and centralized operations, offering efficient logistics and lower per-unit costs for large-scale welding applications. It is increasingly adopted in industries such as shipbuilding and pipeline construction. This segment represents nearly 35% of the market share, driven by its suitability for continuous supply in automated and heavy-duty welding processes.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, Segmentation by Type
The Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by Type into Argon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Others.
Argon
Argon is the most widely used shielding gas in welding due to its inert properties and compatibility with various materials, especially non-ferrous metals. It is commonly used in TIG and MIG welding processes. Argon accounts for nearly 40% of the total market, driven by its ability to produce clean and stable welds with minimal spatter.
Oxygen
Oxygen is primarily used in small quantities mixed with other gases to enhance the arc stability and increase metal transfer rates. It improves weld penetration in materials such as carbon and stainless steel. Approximately 20% of the market utilizes oxygen-enriched mixtures, particularly in fabrication and heavy machinery sectors.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is used in high-temperature welding applications and is particularly suitable for stainless steel and nickel alloys. Its use contributes to deeper penetration and faster travel speeds. Although niche, hydrogen accounts for around 10% of the market, favored in sectors requiring clean, oxide-free welds.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is widely adopted for its cost-effectiveness and high thermal conductivity, especially in MIG welding of mild steel. It supports deeper weld penetration and is prevalent in automotive and structural fabrication. This segment holds roughly 25% of the market share due to its affordability and functional versatility.
Others
The Others segment includes gases such as helium, nitrogen, and specialty gas blends used for specific alloy welding or performance enhancements. These gases collectively contribute to around 5% of the market and are utilized in applications that demand precision, corrosion resistance, or specialized thermal profiles.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, Segmentation by Application
The Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by Application into Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and Others.
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as MIG welding, is the most commonly used welding method due to its high speed and versatility. It is particularly suitable for automated processes and thicker materials. This application accounts for nearly 60% of the market, driven by demand from industries such as automotive, construction, and shipbuilding.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), or TIG welding, offers superior precision and control, making it ideal for thin materials and non-ferrous metals. It is widely used in aerospace, piping, and high-purity equipment manufacturing. TIG welding represents about 30% of the application segment due to its role in producing high-quality, defect-free welds.
Others
The Others segment includes less conventional or emerging welding techniques that rely on shielding gases, such as plasma arc welding and laser welding. These are used in specialized applications requiring precision and minimal distortion. This category holds around 10% of the market, supported by growing use in electronics, medical devices, and microfabrication.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry
The Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication, Construction, Energy, Aerospace, and Others.
Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication
Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication is the largest end-use segment, consuming nearly 45% of welding and shielding gases. This industry relies heavily on MIG and TIG welding processes for tasks such as sheet metal work, pipe fabrication, and machinery assembly. The demand is driven by the need for precision welding and high production efficiency.
Construction
The Construction sector utilizes welding gases for applications like structural welding, steel reinforcement, and infrastructure assembly. It accounts for approximately 25% of the market, supported by ongoing growth in urban development and commercial construction projects worldwide.
Energy
The Energy industry, including oil & gas and power generation, depends on welding gases for pipeline construction, pressure vessel fabrication, and plant maintenance. This segment holds around 15% of the market, with rising investments in renewables and energy infrastructure fueling its growth.
Aerospace
Aerospace applications demand high-purity gases for precision welding of lightweight alloys and complex components. This segment represents roughly 10% of the market, driven by strict quality standards and increasing aircraft production and maintenance activities.
Others
The Others category includes industries such as automotive repair, electronics, and medical device manufacturing that require controlled welding environments. This segment comprises about 5% of the market and is steadily growing with the expansion of specialized industrial applications.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds a significant share in the welding gas market, contributing around 30% of the global demand. The region benefits from a well-established manufacturing base, especially in the automotive and aerospace sectors, along with substantial investments in infrastructure development and energy projects.
Europe
Europe accounts for approximately 25% of the market, driven by advanced fabrication techniques and stringent industrial safety standards. The region shows strong demand across automotive production, shipbuilding, and renewable energy infrastructure, especially in countries like Germany, Italy, and France.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific dominates the global market with nearly 35% share, fueled by rapid industrialization, expanding construction activities, and growth in the manufacturing sector. Countries like China, India, and Japan are major consumers due to rising urbanization and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region holds about 5% of the market, supported by ongoing oil & gas exploration and infrastructure development initiatives. Demand for welding gases is also increasing in sectors like energy and construction in emerging economies within the region.
Latin America
Latin America represents approximately 5% of the global market, with growing use in automotive assembly, metal fabrication, and industrial maintenance. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are key contributors, propelled by improvements in industrial capacity and public infrastructure projects.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analaysis.
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:
- Rapid Industrial Sector Growth
- Rising Infrastructure Development Projects
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Expansion of Automotive Industry - The continued expansion of the automotive industry is a key driver of growth in the welding gas/shielding gas market, as welding is a critical process in vehicle manufacturing. The increasing production of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide is driving demand for high-quality shielding gases that ensure precise, efficient, and defect-free welds. Gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, and helium are widely used in MIG, TIG, and laser welding applications for assembling vehicle frames, exhaust systems, and battery packs.
As automotive manufacturers strive to enhance production speed, material strength, and energy efficiency, the use of advanced welding technologies and specialized gas mixtures is rising. The shift toward lightweight materials like aluminum and high-strength steel in vehicle components further increases the need for optimized gas solutions that deliver consistent weld quality. With global automotive output growing steadily and EV production accelerating, the demand for welding and shielding gases is expected to see sustained upward momentum.
Restraints:
- Fluctuating Raw Material Price Trends
- Rising Global Trade Barrier Challenges
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Increasing Concerns Over Product Safety - Increasing concerns over product safety are emerging as a significant restraint in the welding gas/shielding gas market, particularly due to the hazardous nature of certain gases used in industrial applications. Gases such as acetylene, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen can pose risks including flammability, toxicity, and high-pressure hazards if not stored, transported, or handled correctly. Regulatory bodies are enforcing stricter guidelines on gas usage, labeling, cylinder integrity, and workplace safety, which can complicate logistics and increase compliance costs for manufacturers and end-users.
Moreover, end-user industries are becoming more cautious about adopting gases that carry potential health and safety risks, especially in sectors with strict occupational safety standards. This growing awareness is pushing companies to invest in enhanced safety training, advanced containment technologies, and alternative gas solutions, which may limit the use of traditional gas products. These concerns can slow down product adoption in sensitive markets and create additional operational burdens, impacting overall market growth.
Opportunities:
- Rising Demand for Sustainable Gas Solutions
- Growing Use of Automated Welding Processes
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Increasing Adoption of Specialty Gas Blends - The increasing adoption of specialty gas blends is creating promising opportunities in the welding gas/shielding gas market, as industries seek improved weld quality, process efficiency, and material compatibility. Customized gas mixtures—such as argon-carbon dioxide blends, argon-helium mixtures, and oxygen-enhanced blends—enable precise control over arc characteristics, spatter reduction, and penetration depth in various welding techniques. These specialty gases are especially valuable in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding, where precision and strength are critical.
As manufacturers work with diverse materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and high-strength alloys, the need for application-specific gas formulations continues to grow. Specialty blends offer flexibility to optimize weld performance for specific tasks while also supporting energy savings and reduced rework. The rising emphasis on advanced manufacturing and automation is expected to accelerate demand for innovative gas solutions, positioning specialty gas blends as a key area for growth and differentiation in the welding industry.
Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market include:
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
- Iwatani Corporation
- Praxair Inc.
- The Linde Group
- Southern Industrial Gas
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
- Messer Group
- Gulf Cryo
- Iceblick Ltd.
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 Storage
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End Use Industry
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Rapid Industrial Sector Growth
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Rising Infrastructure Development Projects
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Expansion of Automotive Industry
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- Restraints
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Fluctuating Raw Material Price Trends
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Rising Global Trade Barrier Challenges
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Increasing Concerns Over Product Safety
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- Opportunities
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Rising Demand for Sustainable Gas Solutions
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Growing Use of Automated Welding Processes
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Increasing Adoption of Specialty Gas Blends
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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
- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By Storage, Distribution & Transportation, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Cylinder & Packaged Gas
- Merchant Liquid/Bulk
- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Argon
- Oxygen
- Hydrogen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Others
- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Others
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Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By End Use Industry, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication
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Construction
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Energy
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Aerospace
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Others
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- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- 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
- Welding Gas/Shielding Gas Market, By Storage, Distribution & Transportation, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Air Liquide S.A.
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
- Iwatani Corporation
- Praxair Inc.
- The Linde Group
- Southern Industrial Gas
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
- Messer Group
- Gulf Cryo
- Iceblick Ltd.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market