Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market latest Statistics on Market Size, Growth, Production, Sales Volume, Sales Price, Market Share and Import vs Export 

Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market Summary Highlights 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is positioned for accelerated structural growth through 2025–2032, supported by regulatory pressure on nickel usage, cost volatility in nickel supply chains, and expanding additive manufacturing adoption. The transition toward ferritic and manganese-based stainless steel powder formulations is reshaping material selection strategies across automotive, medical devices, and industrial machinery sectors. 

In 2025, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market Size is estimated at USD 1.48 billion, with projected expansion to USD 2.36 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. Volume consumption is expected to surpass 412 kilotons by 2026, driven by powder metallurgy and metal injection molding (MIM) applications. 

Demand momentum is strongest in Asia-Pacific, accounting for approximately 46% of global consumption in 2025, followed by Europe at 27% and North America at 19%. Ferritic stainless steel powder grades contribute nearly 62% of total demand, while duplex and manganese-stabilized grades represent the fastest-growing segments. 

Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market Statistical Overview (2025 Baseline) 

• Global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market valued at USD 1.48 billion in 2025 

• Projected market value of USD 2.36 billion by 2030 

• CAGR (2025–2030): 9.7% 

• Global production volume (2025): 386 kilotons 

• Projected volume (2026): 412 kilotons 

• Ferritic grades share (2025): 62% of total demand 

• Additive manufacturing application share: 21%, growing at 14.3% CAGR 

• Automotive sector consumption share: 34% 

• Asia-Pacific regional share: 46% 

• Gas atomization production method share: 58% of global output 

Raw Material Cost Volatility Driving Substitution in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Nickel price instability remains a fundamental catalyst shaping the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. Nickel prices fluctuated within a 22–28% range during 2023–2024, creating procurement uncertainty for stainless steel manufacturers. In contrast, ferritic stainless steel compositions eliminate nickel content, relying primarily on chromium (11–18%) and iron, which exhibit comparatively stable pricing patterns. 

For instance, automotive OEMs increasingly shifted toward ferritic powder grades for exhaust systems and structural brackets. In 2025, approximately 18% of stainless steel components previously using austenitic grades transitioned to nickel-free alternatives. This shift reduced raw material cost exposure by 12–16% per component. 

Powder metallurgy manufacturers report that manganese-stabilized stainless steel powders are penetrating mid-range industrial applications, particularly in pump housings and valves. These grades provide 85–92% of corrosion resistance performance compared to nickel-based variants, at 14–20% lower material cost. 

Such substitution trends contribute directly to the expanding Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market Size, particularly in cost-sensitive end-use industries. 

Expansion of Additive Manufacturing Accelerating the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Additive manufacturing (AM) represents one of the fastest-growing application segments within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. In 2025, metal AM production volumes are projected to grow by 17%, with stainless steel powders accounting for 31% of total metal feedstock consumption. 

Non-nickel grades are increasingly adopted in: 

• Industrial tooling 

• Heat exchangers 

• Architectural hardware 

• Automotive prototypes 

For example, ferritic stainless steel powder used in binder jetting applications demonstrated 11% lower distortion rates during sintering compared to certain nickel-containing grades. This performance improvement reduces post-processing costs by 6–9%. 

Gas atomized powder demand is particularly strong. Approximately 58% of powders supplied to AM platforms in 2025 utilize gas atomization, ensuring spherical morphology and particle size distribution between 15–45 microns. 

As AM production shifts from prototyping to serial production, particularly in Europe and East Asia, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is projected to see additive manufacturing share rise from 21% in 2025 to 29% by 2028. 

\Automotive Lightweighting and Electrification Supporting the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Automotive electrification is structurally influencing the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. Electric vehicle (EV) production is forecast to grow by 18% in 2026, surpassing 21 million units globally. 

Ferritic stainless steel powders are widely used in: 

• EV battery casing reinforcements 

• E-motor housings 

• Structural brackets 

• Exhaust systems in hybrid vehicles 

Ferritic grades provide sufficient corrosion resistance in road salt exposure environments, while maintaining magnetic properties beneficial for motor components. 

Powder metallurgy components manufactured from non-nickel stainless steel show density levels above 7.1 g/cm³ and tensile strength exceeding 450 MPa after sintering. These properties meet performance benchmarks for medium-load automotive components. 

Approximately 34% of total Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market demand in 2025 originates from automotive applications. By 2030, this share is expected to reach 38%, supported by the shift toward cost-efficient electrified mobility solutions. 

Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Reshaping the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Nickel is classified as a potential allergen and regulated in several jurisdictions, particularly in consumer goods and medical devices. The European Union’s chemical compliance standards have increased scrutiny over nickel release in consumer-contact applications. 

As a result, manufacturers of: 

• Medical surgical instruments 

• Food processing equipment 

• Consumer hardware 

are increasingly specifying nickel-free stainless steel powders. 

For example, medical device production in 2025 is projected to grow by 8.6%, with 24% of newly designed reusable surgical components utilizing ferritic stainless steel grades. 

Additionally, lifecycle assessment data indicates that nickel-free powder production can reduce carbon footprint intensity by approximately 9–13%, depending on atomization technique and chromium sourcing. Sustainability reporting frameworks adopted by OEMs are influencing procurement decisions, reinforcing long-term growth in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Industrial Equipment and Infrastructure Investments Boosting the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Global industrial capital expenditure is projected to increase by 6.8% in 2026, with major investments in water treatment, chemical processing, and energy infrastructure. 

Ferritic and duplex stainless steel powders are widely used in: 

• Pump impellers 

• Valve bodies 

• Filtration systems 

• Structural brackets 

Water infrastructure expansion is particularly relevant. Urban water treatment capacity additions are expected to grow by 7.4% annually through 2028. Non-nickel stainless steel powder grades offer corrosion resistance adequate for chloride exposure environments while reducing procurement costs. 

For instance, duplex non-nickel grades containing 21–23% chromium and optimized nitrogen content provide pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) values exceeding 25. This supports application in moderate marine and chemical processing environments. 

Industrial machinery accounts for approximately 22% of total Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market demand in 2025. Growth in Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs is expected to push regional machinery-related powder demand up by 11% in 2026. 

The cumulative effect of infrastructure modernization, manufacturing automation, and corrosion-resistant component requirements sustains long-term expansion of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market Size. 

Strategic Outlook for the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The convergence of raw material substitution, additive manufacturing growth, regulatory compliance, automotive electrification, and industrial infrastructure investment creates a multi-layered growth framework for the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Market expansion is not cyclical but structural. End-use diversification reduces dependency on any single sector, while technological advancements in powder atomization enhance material performance consistency. 

Through 2030, capacity expansion is expected primarily in China, India, Germany, and South Korea, with producers increasing gas atomization lines to address high-purity demand. 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is transitioning from a substitution-driven niche to a mainstream material platform, supported by cost efficiency, regulatory alignment, and advanced manufacturing compatibility. 

Asia-Pacific Leadership in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Asia-Pacific remains the dominant consumption and production hub within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, accounting for approximately 46% of global demand in 2025. Total regional consumption is estimated at 178 kilotons, projected to exceed 210 kilotons by 2027. Industrial manufacturing expansion in China, India, Japan, and South Korea continues to anchor regional dominance. 

For instance, China contributes nearly 58% of Asia-Pacific demand, supported by rapid expansion in electric vehicle production and powder metallurgy components. EV manufacturing output in China is projected to grow by 19% in 2026, directly increasing demand for ferritic stainless steel powders used in battery brackets and motor assemblies. 

India is emerging as a secondary growth engine. Industrial machinery output is forecast to expand by 8.2% in 2026, increasing consumption of corrosion-resistant non-nickel powders for pumps, valves, and agricultural equipment. Consequently, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market in Asia-Pacific is expected to record a CAGR of 10.8% through 2030, outperforming global averages. 

Regional cost advantages, including lower atomization processing costs and chromium supply integration, further strengthen Asia-Pacific’s role in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

North America Demand Dynamics in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

North America represents approximately 19% of global demand in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market in 2025, equivalent to around 73 kilotons. Growth is primarily driven by additive manufacturing and defense-related industrial production. 

Metal additive manufacturing capacity in the United States is projected to expand by 14% in 2026. Approximately 28% of stainless steel powders used in binder jetting and laser powder bed fusion processes are now nickel-free grades, particularly ferritic compositions optimized for dimensional stability. 

Automotive electrification is another contributor. EV production in North America is forecast to rise by 16% in 2026, increasing demand for soft magnetic ferritic powders. This structural shift strengthens the regional share of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, particularly in high-performance powder applications. 

Industrial reshoring initiatives further enhance domestic powder consumption. Manufacturing capital investments in 2025 are projected to increase by 7.4%, boosting powder metallurgy component production in automotive and heavy machinery segments. 

European Sustainability Transition in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Europe accounts for approximately 27% of global consumption in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, totaling nearly 104 kilotons in 2025. Demand is influenced by sustainability mandates and strict chemical regulations limiting nickel exposure in consumer applications. 

For example, medical device manufacturing output in Germany and France is projected to grow by 7.9% in 2026. Ferritic stainless steel powders are increasingly specified in surgical instruments and reusable medical hardware to comply with nickel release restrictions. 

Additionally, water treatment and renewable energy infrastructure projects are expanding across the region. Offshore wind installations are forecast to grow by 12% in 2026, requiring corrosion-resistant duplex non-nickel powders for structural fittings and filtration systems. 

The European segment of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market benefits from advanced gas atomization facilities, ensuring consistent particle morphology for additive manufacturing applications. 

Rest of World Expansion in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Latin America and the Middle East collectively represent approximately 8% of global demand in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. Although smaller in volume, growth rates are accelerating due to infrastructure investments. 

For instance, desalination plant construction in the Middle East is projected to increase by 9% annually through 2028. Duplex non-nickel stainless steel powders are used in impellers and valve components due to moderate chloride resistance and cost efficiency. 

Brazil’s agricultural equipment sector is also expanding, with machinery production forecast to grow by 6.5% in 2026. Powder metallurgy components manufactured from ferritic stainless steel are gaining share in structural brackets and engine housings. 

These developing markets contribute incremental growth to the global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, diversifying geographic revenue streams. 

Production Trend in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder production reached approximately 386 kilotons in 2025 and is projected to exceed 430 kilotons by 2027. Expansion is primarily concentrated in Asia-Pacific, where new gas atomization lines have added over 28 kilotons of annual capacity since 2024. 

Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder production via gas atomization accounts for 58% of total output, followed by water atomization at 34%, and other methods such as plasma atomization at 8%. The growth in additive manufacturing has increased the share of gas atomized powders due to superior sphericity and controlled particle size. 

Capacity additions in China and India are expected to raise Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder production in Asia-Pacific by 12% in 2026 alone. Europe is expanding high-purity powder lines, increasing Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder production by 6% annually to support aerospace and medical demand. 

Overall, Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder production growth aligns closely with end-use expansion in automotive and additive manufacturing sectors, ensuring supply-demand balance through 2028. 

Segmentation Structure of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is segmented across grade type, production method, application, and particle size. 

By Grade Type 

• Ferritic stainless steel powder – 62% share (2025) 

• Duplex non-nickel stainless steel powder – 21% 

• Manganese-stabilized stainless steel powder – 17% 

Ferritic grades dominate due to cost efficiency and sufficient corrosion resistance for automotive and industrial uses. 

By Production Method 

• Gas atomization – 58% 

• Water atomization – 34% 

• Plasma atomization – 8% 

Gas atomization is expanding at 11.5% CAGR due to additive manufacturing demand. 

By Application 

• Automotive components – 34% 

• Industrial machinery – 22% 

• Additive manufacturing – 21% 

• Medical devices – 11% 

• Consumer goods and others – 12% 

By Particle Size 

• 15–45 microns – 41% 

• 45–106 microns – 37% 

• Above 106 microns – 22% 

This segmentation reflects diversified demand patterns within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, reducing sectoral dependency risk. 

Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Analysis in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price in 2025 averages between USD 3,400–4,200 per metric ton for water atomized grades and USD 4,800–6,200 per metric ton for gas atomized powders. Prices vary depending on chromium content, particle size, and purity levels. 

Compared to nickel-containing stainless steel powders, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price is typically 14–22% lower, reflecting absence of nickel cost exposure. 

Industrial buyers increasingly track the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Trend, which has remained relatively stable with annual fluctuations below 6% during 2024–2025. Chromium price stability contributes significantly to moderating volatility. 

Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Trend Outlook in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Trend is projected to remain moderately upward through 2027, with anticipated annual increases of 3–5% driven by rising energy and atomization costs. 

However, capacity expansion in Asia-Pacific may moderate upward pressure. For instance, new atomization facilities in India are expected to reduce regional Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price levels by approximately 4% due to improved economies of scale. 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Trend is also influenced by additive manufacturing demand. High-purity powders for laser-based systems command premiums of 18–25% above standard grades. 

Overall, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price trajectory is expected to remain more stable compared to nickel-containing alternatives, reinforcing procurement predictability within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Strategic Geographic and Pricing Outlook for the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market demonstrates balanced geographic diversification, with Asia-Pacific leading production and Europe driving regulatory-aligned demand. North America’s additive manufacturing ecosystem supports high-value powder consumption. 

Simultaneously, the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Price Trend remains comparatively stable due to reduced raw material volatility. This pricing predictability enhances long-term contracting and supports broader industrial adoption. 

Through 2030, regional capacity additions, additive manufacturing scaling, and automotive electrification are expected to maintain consistent expansion across the global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, reinforcing its position as a structurally growing advanced materials segment. 

Leading Manufacturers in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The competitive structure of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is moderately consolidated, with global atomization specialists and integrated powder metallurgy companies accounting for a significant share of total revenue. In 2025, the top seven manufacturers collectively represent approximately 38–44% of global market revenue, while regional suppliers and niche atomization firms account for the remaining share. 

Competition is primarily defined by: 

• Gas atomization capacity 

• Alloy customization capabilities 

• Particle size distribution control 

• Additive manufacturing qualification 

• Automotive and industrial supply contracts 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is characterized by technological differentiation rather than purely price-based competition. 

Höganäs AB — Market Leader in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Höganäs AB holds an estimated 14–17% share of the global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market in 2025. The company maintains strong positioning in ferritic stainless steel powders used for automotive exhaust systems, structural brackets, and powder metallurgy applications. 

Key non-nickel product families include: 

• 409L and 434L ferritic stainless steel powders 

• 410 and 420 martensitic stainless grades 

• Gas-atomized AM-focused ferritic powders 

The company operates multiple gas atomization units in Europe and Asia, with combined stainless powder capacity exceeding 85 kilotons annually. In 2025, approximately 28% of Höganäs’ stainless powder sales are directed toward additive manufacturing applications. 

Strong automotive contracts in Europe and Asia reinforce its dominance within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, particularly in ferritic grade demand. 

Sandvik AB — High-Purity Focus in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Sandvik commands an estimated 9–12% share of the global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. Its Osprey® ferritic and martensitic product lines are widely used in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), binder jetting, and metal injection molding. 

Core nickel-free offerings include: 

• Osprey® 430 and 430L ferritic powders 

• Osprey® 420 martensitic powder 

• Custom chromium-enhanced ferritic grades 

Sandvik’s competitive advantage lies in high sphericity control and narrow particle size distributions, typically 15–45 microns for AM applications. Approximately 62% of its stainless powder output is gas atomized, supporting premium pricing within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

In 2025, nearly 35% of Sandvik’s stainless powder shipments are allocated to additive manufacturing clients, reinforcing its high-value segment positioning. 

GKN Powder Metallurgy — Integrated Component Supplier in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

GKN Powder Metallurgy holds approximately 7–10% share of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, benefiting from vertical integration between powder production and sintered component manufacturing. 

The company’s ferritic stainless powder grades are widely used in: 

• Automotive transmission components 

• Hybrid vehicle exhaust systems 

• Structural brackets 

Its integration model allows direct feedback from component engineering teams, enabling alloy refinements tailored to sintering density targets above 7.0 g/cm³. 

In 2025, automotive applications represent nearly 48% of GKN’s stainless powder consumption, strengthening its position within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Carpenter Additive — Custom Alloy Specialist in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Carpenter Additive accounts for an estimated 5–7% share of the global Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. The company emphasizes rapid alloy qualification for additive manufacturing clients. 

Key offerings include: 

• Ferritic stainless powder variants tailored for binder jetting 

• Martensitic nickel-free grades for tooling applications 

• Custom manganese-stabilized stainless compositions 

Carpenter’s strategy centers on flexible batch production and short lead times, appealing to aerospace and defense segments that require consistent chemistry verification. 

Its non-nickel stainless portfolio is growing at approximately 13% annually, outpacing the broader Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market average. 

Oerlikon — Performance Coating and AM Supplier in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Oerlikon holds approximately 4–6% share of the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, with strong presence in thermal spray and additive manufacturing sectors. 

The company’s nickel-free stainless powders are primarily used in: 

• Industrial coatings 

• Pump and valve components 

• Energy infrastructure hardware 

High chromium ferritic powders with optimized flowability are central to its strategy. Roughly 30% of its stainless powder sales are linked to industrial machinery refurbishment and maintenance segments. 

Regional Producers and Emerging Players in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Regional suppliers in China, Japan, and India collectively account for 32–38% of global revenue in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Chinese producers have expanded water atomization capacity significantly, increasing regional supply by nearly 11% in 2025. Japanese manufacturers focus on high-purity martensitic grades for precision applications. 

Indian producers are expanding capacity to serve domestic automotive and industrial machinery sectors, reducing import dependency and influencing the global competitive balance in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market. 

Manufacturer Market Share Structure in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

Market share distribution in 2025 can be summarized as follows: 

• Top 3 manufacturers: 28–32% 

• Top 5 manufacturers: 34–38% 

• Top 7 manufacturers: 38–44% 

• Regional and smaller players: 56–62% 

This structure reflects moderate consolidation, with technology-intensive producers commanding premium segments, while regional players compete in cost-sensitive ferritic powder categories. 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market remains competitive but barriers to entry are significant due to: 

• High capital cost of gas atomization lines 

• Quality certification requirements for AM and automotive 

• Strict particle morphology control standards 

Recent Developments in the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market (2024–2026 Timeline) 

• Q2 2024: A leading European powder producer expanded gas atomization capacity by 8 kilotons annually to support additive manufacturing growth. 

• Q4 2024: An Asian manufacturer commissioned a new water atomization line dedicated to ferritic stainless grades, increasing regional output by approximately 6%. 

• Q1 2025: A major global supplier introduced enhanced 430L ferritic powder optimized for binder jetting applications, improving sintered density by 4%. 

• Mid-2025: Multiple automotive OEM contracts were awarded for nickel-free stainless powder components used in hybrid vehicle exhaust assemblies. 

• Early 2026 (announced): Capacity expansion projects in India and Southeast Asia are expected to increase combined output by over 15 kilotons annually. 

These developments illustrate ongoing capital investment and technology refinement across the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market, reinforcing competitive intensity and supply security. 

Competitive Outlook for the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market 

The Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market is transitioning toward higher specialization, particularly in additive manufacturing and electrified automotive applications. Market leaders are differentiating through: 

• Advanced atomization technology 

• Alloy customization 

• Supply chain integration 

• Regional production expansion 

Through 2030, consolidation may increase slightly as smaller regional players partner with or are acquired by global powder specialists. However, diversified regional production ensures competitive pricing and supply resilience within the Non-Nickel Stainless Steel Powder Market.