Refractory Metals Market latest Statistics on Market Size, Growth, Production, Sales Volume, Sales Price, Market Share and Import vs Export
- Published 2023
- No of Pages: 120
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Refractory Metals Market Summary Highlights
The Refractory Metals Market is demonstrating structural growth driven by high-temperature industrial demand, defense modernization programs, semiconductor fabrication expansion, and next-generation energy systems. Refractory metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, and rhenium continue to gain strategic importance due to their extreme melting points, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability under stress conditions exceeding 1000°C.
The Refractory Metals Market is increasingly characterized by supply security strategies, vertical integration among processors, and increasing recycling rates to offset raw material volatility. Demand concentration remains strongest in aerospace engines, EV battery components, semiconductor sputtering targets, and nuclear applications. Industrial procurement patterns indicate a shift toward long-term contracts rather than spot purchasing due to geopolitical supply risks.
From a materials science perspective, the Refractory Metals Market is benefiting from alloy innovation. For instance, molybdenum-rhenium alloys are seeing increased penetration in hypersonic applications, while niobium alloys are gaining relevance in superconducting magnets and fusion reactors. These developments are expanding the addressable market beyond traditional metallurgy applications.
Production capacity expansion is also reshaping the Refractory Metals Market, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where processing capacity for tungsten and molybdenum powders is projected to grow by nearly 6.8% between 2025 and 2028. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are focusing more on strategic stockpiling and domestic refining investments.
The Refractory Metals Market Size is projected to show steady expansion due to increasing consumption in advanced manufacturing. Growth remains volume-driven in industrial sectors and value-driven in electronics and aerospace segments where purity requirements exceed 99.95%.
Another defining feature of the Refractory Metals Market is pricing resilience. Unlike base metals, refractory metals demonstrate lower cyclicality because demand is tied to long-cycle industries such as aerospace and energy infrastructure rather than consumer discretionary sectors.
Refractory Metals Market Statistical Snapshot
- The Refractory Metals Market is projected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 6.4% between 2025 and 2032
- Tungsten accounts for approximately 38% of total Refractory Metals Market volume share in 2026
- Aerospace applications are expected to represent nearly 21% of total Refractory Metals Market revenue by 2027
- Semiconductor applications are projected to grow at 8.2% annual demand growth through 2030
- Asia-Pacific is expected to control 52% of global Refractory Metals Market production capacity by 2026
- Recycling is forecast to supply nearly 18% of total refractory metal feedstock by 2028
- EV battery and power electronics applications expected to grow demand for tantalum and niobium by 9–11% annually
- Defense and hypersonic programs projected to increase rhenium consumption by 7.5% by 2029
- Powder metallurgy applications expected to grow at 5.9% CAGR through 2031
- The global Refractory Metals Market Size is projected to cross the equivalent of USD 9.8 billion by 2026 with strong specialty alloy pricing support
Refractory Metals Market Trend: Aerospace Engine Temperature Requirements Driving Material Substitution
One of the strongest structural growth drivers in the Refractory Metals Market is the increasing temperature threshold of aerospace propulsion systems. Modern jet engines now operate at turbine inlet temperatures exceeding 1700°C, requiring materials capable of maintaining structural integrity under extreme thermal stress.
For instance:
- Nickel superalloys require refractory metal reinforcement to maintain creep resistance
• Tungsten heavy alloys are increasingly used in counterweights and vibration dampening systems
• Rhenium additions improve turbine blade life by nearly 35%
Aircraft production forecasts indicate:
- Commercial aircraft production expected to grow 5.2% annually between 2025-2035
• Defense aircraft procurement expected to grow 4.6% annually
• Hypersonic vehicle programs growing over 12% annually
These trends directly translate into rising demand within the Refractory Metals Market because turbine durability improvements rely on refractory alloy additions.
For example, a typical next-generation turbine engine may contain:
- 3–6% rhenium in superalloy structures
• 8–12 kg molybdenum components
• Tungsten shielding elements in combustion chambers
This material intensity explains why aerospace remains one of the highest value contributors to the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Driver: Semiconductor Fabrication Expansion Increasing High Purity Metal Demand
The semiconductor sector is becoming a critical consumption center for the Refractory Metals Market, particularly due to the expansion of advanced nodes and power electronics manufacturing.
Refractory metals are essential in:
- Physical vapor deposition targets
• Ion implantation components
• Diffusion barriers
• Gate electrodes
For example:
- Tantalum sputtering targets used in logic chips below 7nm nodes
• Tungsten contacts used in DRAM fabrication
• Molybdenum back contacts used in thin film solar electronics
Semiconductor fab construction shows strong forward indicators:
- Global wafer capacity expected to grow 7% between 2025-2028
• Power semiconductor capacity expected to grow 9.5%
• AI chip production capacity expected to grow 11%
Because purity requirements exceed 99.99%, pricing per kg in semiconductor applications can be 3–5 times higher than industrial grades. This is increasing revenue density in the Refractory Metals Market.
The transition toward compound semiconductors such as SiC and GaN is also creating incremental demand. For instance, molybdenum substrates used in SiC wafer processing are projected to grow 8% annually.
Refractory Metals Market Trend: Electric Vehicle Power Electronics Expanding Niobium and Tantalum Consumption
Electrification trends are creating new demand pathways in the Refractory Metals Market, particularly through EV power electronics and capacitor technologies.
Niobium demand is rising due to:
- High-strength battery casings
• Superconducting charging infrastructure
• High strength low alloy steels in EV frames
Similarly, tantalum is gaining adoption in:
- Automotive grade capacitors
• Autonomous driving processors
• Thermal management electronics
EV production projections indicate:
- Global EV production expected to exceed 28 million units by 2027
• Power electronics content per EV expected to increase 18%
• Automotive semiconductor value per vehicle expected to grow 22%
These shifts create direct demand linkages with the Refractory Metals Market, especially as higher voltage architectures require more heat resistant conductive materials.
For example:
A typical EV inverter system may contain:
- 150–300 grams tantalum capacitors
• Molybdenum heat spreaders
• Tungsten shielding components
Such application expansion is steadily diversifying the Refractory Metals Market beyond its traditional industrial base.
Refractory Metals Market Driver: Defense Modernization and Strategic Metal Stockpiling
Defense spending cycles are significantly influencing the Refractory Metals Market, especially as countries prioritize supply chain independence for strategic materials.
Key defense uses include:
- Armor penetrating tungsten alloys
• Missile guidance electronics using tantalum capacitors
• Rocket nozzle molybdenum alloys
• Hypersonic vehicle thermal protection systems
Defense expenditure forecasts suggest:
- Global defense budgets projected to grow 3.8% annually through 2030
• Hypersonic weapons funding growing 13% annually
• Missile production demand rising 6%
These programs require reliable access to refractory metals, leading to:
- Strategic reserves creation
• Domestic refining investments
• Recycling initiatives
For instance:
Several countries are targeting 20–30% domestic sourcing of critical refractory metals by 2030.
Such policies are strengthening the long-term stability of the Refractory Metals Market by reducing dependence on volatile imports.
Refractory Metals Market Trend: Nuclear and Clean Energy Systems Creating Long-Term Structural Demand
Energy transition technologies are emerging as long-term structural drivers in the Refractory Metals Market.
Key applications include:
- Nuclear reactor control components
• Fusion reactor plasma facing materials
• Hydrogen electrolysis catalysts
• Concentrated solar thermal systems
For instance:
Tungsten is used in fusion reactors due to:
- Highest melting point among metals (3422°C)
• Low sputtering yield
• Radiation resistance
Fusion demonstration projects expected between 2026-2035 are projected to increase tungsten demand by 6–8% annually.
Similarly:
Molybdenum demand in nuclear fuel assemblies is expected to grow 5.5% annually due to corrosion resistance requirements.
Hydrogen electrolysis expansion is also contributing to the Refractory Metals Market:
- Electrolyzer installations expected to grow 10% annually
• High temperature electrolysis systems increasing molybdenum usage
The cumulative effect of these energy investments is improving long-term demand visibility within the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Driver: Powder Metallurgy and Additive Manufacturing Expanding High Margin Applications
Advanced manufacturing technologies are reshaping value creation in the Refractory Metals Market. Powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing are enabling complex geometries previously impossible using traditional machining.
Growth indicators include:
- Metal additive manufacturing expected to grow 14% annually
• Powder metallurgy applications expected to grow 6%
• Aerospace additive parts expected to grow 17%
Refractory metal powders are particularly valuable due to:
- High density
• Thermal stability
• Radiation shielding properties
For example:
3D printed tungsten is increasingly used in:
- Radiation shielding components
• Medical imaging collimators
• Satellite balance weights
Similarly, molybdenum powders are used in:
- Plasma facing components
• Furnace tooling
• Semiconductor carriers
Additive manufacturing reduces waste by nearly 25–40% compared to subtractive machining. This efficiency improvement is encouraging manufacturers to adopt refractory powders, strengthening margins in the Refractory Metals Market.
The Refractory Metals Market Size is benefiting from this transition because powder products typically command 20–60% price premiums over bulk metal forms.
Refractory Metals Market Regional Demand Patterns and Growth Centers
Geographical demand in the Refractory Metals Market is increasingly concentrated in industrial economies where high-temperature manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and defense production are expanding simultaneously. Demand distribution shows a clear concentration pattern with Asia-Pacific dominating volume consumption while North America and Europe lead in high-purity and high-margin specialty applications.
Asia-Pacific is expected to account for nearly 49–52% of total Refractory Metals Market demand in 2026, supported by strong electronics manufacturing ecosystems. For instance, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan collectively represent over 68% of global semiconductor fabrication capacity, directly increasing demand for tantalum sputtering targets and tungsten deposition materials.
North America is showing strong growth in aerospace applications. For example:
- Aircraft engine production expected to increase 4.8% annually
• Defense procurement growth projected at 3.9%
• Semiconductor reshoring investments exceeding USD 120 billion between 2025–2030
This is strengthening the high-value segment of the Refractory Metals Market, especially for rhenium and molybdenum alloys used in propulsion systems.
Europe shows steady expansion driven by clean energy systems. For instance:
- Hydrogen infrastructure investment expected to grow 11% annually
• Nuclear refurbishment programs expanding 6% annually
• Industrial furnace upgrades growing 5%
These developments continue to reinforce stable regional consumption patterns in the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Asia-Pacific Manufacturing Dominance
Asia-Pacific remains the backbone of supply and consumption in the Refractory Metals Market, particularly due to vertically integrated mining and refining capabilities.
For example:
- China controls approximately 83% of global tungsten processing
• Nearly 46% of molybdenum refining capacity
• Around 62% of tantalum intermediate processing
Industrial expansion indicators support this demand concentration:
- Electronics manufacturing output expected to grow 6.7% annually
• Industrial furnace installations expected to rise 5.4%
• EV battery manufacturing capacity growing 12% annually
For instance, tungsten demand in industrial tooling continues rising because carbide tool consumption is growing alongside automotive and heavy machinery production. Cemented carbide tools alone account for nearly 57% of tungsten consumption, demonstrating how industrial expansion directly supports the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market North America Strategic Supply Expansion
North America is increasingly focusing on supply chain resilience within the Refractory Metals Market, particularly through domestic refining projects and recycling initiatives.
Examples include:
- Strategic stockpiling of tungsten and tantalum
• New niobium processing investments
• Aerospace alloy recycling programs
The United States is expected to increase domestic processing capacity by nearly 9% by 2028. Meanwhile, recycling is projected to supply nearly 22% of regional refractory metal demand by 2030.
For instance:
Recycled superalloy scrap now provides:
- 28% of rhenium supply
• 19% of molybdenum feedstock
• 14% of tungsten secondary supply
This circular supply chain approach is stabilizing procurement risks within the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Europe Energy Transition Demand
Europe is witnessing structural demand changes within the Refractory Metals Market due to energy transition technologies.
Key demand sources include:
- Offshore wind turbine electronics
• Hydrogen electrolyzers
• Nuclear life extension programs
• Grid modernization components
For example:
Hydrogen electrolyzer installations are projected to increase from roughly 1.2 GW capacity in 2025 to nearly 3.5 GW by 2029, driving molybdenum component demand due to corrosion resistance.
Similarly:
Niobium use in superconducting grid technologies is projected to grow 7% annually.
These investments are positioning Europe as a technology-driven growth center for the Refractory Metals Market, particularly in specialized alloys.
Refractory Metals Market Production Trend and Supply Statistics
Production dynamics remain a critical structural factor shaping the Refractory Metals Market, especially as supply remains geographically concentrated. Global Refractory Metals production is projected to grow approximately 5.6% between 2025 and 2028, reflecting expanding industrial demand.
Global Refractory Metals production of tungsten is expected to reach nearly 97,000 metric tons by 2026, while Refractory Metals production of molybdenum is projected to exceed 320,000 metric tons due to steel alloy demand. Meanwhile, Refractory Metals production of tantalum concentrates is expected to grow 4.2% annually, supported by electronics applications.
Supply diversification strategies are also influencing Refractory Metals production, particularly through new mining developments in Africa and South America. For example, new niobium projects are expected to increase Refractory Metals production capacity by nearly 8% by 2029.
Secondary supply is also becoming significant. Recycled inputs are projected to contribute nearly 16–18% of total Refractory Metals production by 2030, helping stabilize supply volatility.
Refractory Metals Market Segmentation by Metal Type
The Refractory Metals Market shows clear segmentation by material type, with tungsten and molybdenum dominating volume while tantalum and rhenium dominate value.
Segmentation highlights in the Refractory Metals Market (by metal type)
By Volume Share (2026 estimates)
- Tungsten – 38%
• Molybdenum – 34%
• Niobium – 14%
• Tantalum – 9%
• Rhenium – 5%
By Revenue Contribution
- Tungsten – 31%
• Molybdenum – 27%
• Tantalum – 16%
• Niobium – 15%
• Rhenium – 11%
For instance:
Rhenium represents only about 1% of volume but commands premium pricing due to aerospace demand. This reflects how value concentration differs from volume concentration in the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Segmentation by Application Industries
Application segmentation shows how diversified the Refractory Metals Market has become as new technologies adopt refractory materials.
Segmentation highlights in the Refractory Metals Market (by application)
Major demand sectors
- Aerospace and defense – 21%
• Electronics and semiconductors – 19%
• Industrial tooling – 24%
• Energy and nuclear – 13%
• Automotive and EV – 11%
• Medical and others – 12%
For example:
Industrial tooling remains dominant because carbide cutting tools continue expanding with industrial automation. Global machine tool production is projected to grow 5% annually, directly increasing tungsten carbide demand.
Electronics is the fastest growing segment because semiconductor device complexity continues increasing. For instance:
Advanced chip packaging demand expected to grow 8% annually, supporting tantalum and molybdenum demand.
Such diversification is reducing cyclicality within the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Price Structure and Cost Dynamics
Pricing behavior within the Refractory Metals Market differs from base metals because supply concentration and specialty applications reduce price volatility.
Typical Refractory Metals Price behavior depends on:
- Ore concentration levels
• Refining complexity
• Purity requirements
• Defense procurement cycles
• Long-term aerospace contracts
For example:
High purity tantalum used in semiconductor targets may command prices nearly 4 times higher than metallurgical grade tantalum.
Similarly:
Rhenium used in turbine alloys may sell above USD 1,800–2,400 per kg equivalent value range due to limited supply.
This structure demonstrates how application specificity shapes Refractory Metals Price behavior.
Refractory Metals Market Refractory Metals Price Trend Analysis (2025–2030)
The Refractory Metals Price Trend is expected to show moderate upward movement due to constrained supply and steady demand growth.
Projected Refractory Metals Price Trend expectations include:
- Tungsten prices expected to rise 3–5% annually
• Molybdenum expected price growth of 4–6%
• Tantalum projected growth of 5–7%
• Niobium expected growth 4–5%
• Rhenium expected growth 6–8%
Key drivers behind the Refractory Metals Price Trend include:
- Limited mining expansion
• Environmental permitting delays
• Strategic stockpiling
• Growing semiconductor demand
For instance:
Tungsten supply growth is expected to remain below 3% annually, while demand growth is projected near 5%, supporting positive Refractory Metals Price Trend movement.
Refractory Metals Market Refractory Metals Price Volatility and Supply Risk Impact
Supply chain concentration continues to influence Refractory Metals Price stability. Because certain metals such as tungsten and tantalum have geographically concentrated supply, disruptions can influence the Refractory Metals Price Trend quickly.
For example:
If export restrictions reduce tungsten supply by 5%, prices historically react with increases of nearly 8–12% due to limited substitution options.
Similarly:
Tantalum prices respond strongly to electronics demand cycles because capacitors cannot easily substitute alternative materials. This strengthens pricing power in the Refractory Metals Market.
Recycling is emerging as a stabilizing factor:
- Scrap recovery expected to reduce price volatility by nearly 9% by 2030
Such structural changes are expected to keep the Refractory Metals Price Trend moderately upward rather than highly volatile.
Refractory Metals Market Future Price Outlook and Margin Expansion
Forward pricing outlook within the Refractory Metals Market suggests margin expansion for processed products rather than raw materials.
Value-added products expected to see higher pricing growth include:
- Refractory metal powders
• Sputtering targets
• Additive manufacturing feedstock
• Aerospace alloys
For instance:
Powder tungsten products may see 7–9% price growth compared to 3–4% for bulk metal, reflecting value addition.
Similarly:
Semiconductor grade tantalum may experience 8% price increases due to purity requirements.
These structural changes indicate that the future Refractory Metals Price Trend will increasingly depend on processing technology rather than mining output alone.
The evolving cost structure continues to reinforce long-term stability in the Refractory Metals Market, especially as technology applications continue expanding material performance requirements.
Refractory Metals Market Leading Manufacturers Landscape
The competitive environment of the Refractory Metals Market is defined by a mix of global metallurgical corporations, specialized refractory metal processors, and niche high-temperature component manufacturers. The market remains technology-driven rather than volume-driven because purity, alloy engineering capability, and high-temperature performance certifications determine supplier selection.
The top manufacturers in the Refractory Metals Market typically control between 3% and 9% individual market share, while the top ten companies together account for nearly 45% of total processed refractory metal revenue in 2026. This reflects moderate consolidation in high value segments such as aerospace alloys and semiconductor materials.
Major manufacturers actively shaping the Refractory Metals Market include:
- Plansee Group
• Global Tungsten & Powders Corp
• Kennametal Inc.
• ATI (Allegheny Technologies Incorporated)
• AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group
• H.C. Starck Solutions
• Elmet Technologies
• Advanced Technology & Materials Co.
• Nippon Tungsten
• Rembar Company
These companies compete primarily through metallurgy innovation, long-term supply agreements, and advanced processing capabilities.
Refractory Metals Market Manufacturer Positioning by Material Specialization
The Refractory Metals Market shows clear manufacturer specialization depending on core metal expertise.
Plansee Group maintains strong positioning in molybdenum and tungsten semi-finished products used in furnace construction and semiconductor fabrication systems. Its TZM molybdenum alloy product lines are widely used in high-temperature tooling because they provide nearly 25–30% higher creep resistance compared to standard molybdenum grades.
Global Tungsten & Powders focuses on tungsten powders and heavy alloys used in defense counterweights and radiation shielding. The company’s powder metallurgy operations support high density tungsten alloys exceeding 17 g/cm³ density, which are essential for aerospace balance systems.
ATI remains influential in the aerospace segment of the Refractory Metals Market through rhenium-containing superalloys and molybdenum alloy sheet products used in turbine structures. The company’s specialty alloys are designed to improve oxidation resistance and increase component life cycles by nearly 20–35% in high temperature environments.
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group focuses on tantalum and niobium materials used in electronics and energy systems. The company is particularly active in capacitor grade tantalum powders and niobium chemical processing alloys.
H.C. Starck Solutions is strongly positioned in high purity tantalum and tungsten products used in semiconductor deposition systems. Their product portfolio includes sputtering targets designed for sub-10 nanometer chip manufacturing.
These product differentiations illustrate how technological specialization defines competitive positions in the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Share by Manufacturers
Manufacturer market share within the Refractory Metals Market is influenced by three main factors:
- Processing technology capability
• Aerospace and semiconductor certifications
• Control over raw material supply
The market shows a tiered structure.
Tier-1 companies typically hold between 5–9% individual market share because they operate across multiple refractory metals and value-added processing segments. These firms dominate aerospace alloys, semiconductor metals, and defense applications.
Tier-2 manufacturers generally hold 2–5% share, focusing on powders, mill products, and industrial furnace materials.
Tier-3 companies usually hold below 2% share, serving regional machining and distribution needs.
Combined, Tier-1 producers are estimated to control nearly 46% of the Refractory Metals Market, while Tier-2 participants account for approximately 27%, and smaller firms make up the remaining 27%.
This structure demonstrates a technical oligopoly in high-performance materials while remaining fragmented in industrial grade supply.
Refractory Metals Market Competitive Strategies of Leading Players
Competition in the Refractory Metals Market is increasingly driven by engineering depth rather than commodity pricing. Leading manufacturers focus on several core strategies.
Vertical integration
Companies are investing in supply chain integration from powder production to finished component machining. This allows cost control and quality consistency. Vertically integrated suppliers typically achieve margins 12–18% higher than distributors.
Advanced alloy development
Manufacturers are investing heavily in proprietary refractory alloys. For instance:
- Molybdenum-rhenium aerospace alloys
• Niobium based superconducting materials
• Tungsten copper thermal management composites
Such alloys allow companies to move away from commodity pricing structures.
Recycling integration
Manufacturers are increasing scrap recovery. For example:
Superalloy recycling programs now recover nearly 65% of rhenium from turbine scrap, significantly reducing raw material exposure.
Additive manufacturing readiness
Producers are developing spherical refractory powders for additive manufacturing. Demand for these materials is expected to grow more than 13% annually as aerospace and medical sectors increase 3D printed refractory metal components.
These strategies continue reshaping competitive positioning within the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Product Portfolio Differentiation
Product differentiation remains a major competitive lever in the Refractory Metals Market.
Examples of important product categories include:
Tungsten product lines
- Tungsten heavy alloys for defense
• Tungsten carbide powders for tooling
• Semiconductor grade tungsten targets
• Radiation shielding components
Molybdenum product lines
- TZM alloys
• Molybdenum furnace boats
• Glass melting electrodes
• High temperature structural sheets
Tantalum and niobium products
- Tantalum capacitor powders
• Niobium zirconium alloys
• Chemical corrosion resistant sheets
• Superconducting niobium materials
Manufacturers that focus on engineered products instead of bulk metals often achieve pricing premiums between 20% and 55%, strengthening profitability in the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Regional Manufacturer Strength Distribution
Regional industrial clusters strongly influence manufacturer dominance in the Refractory Metals Market.
Europe remains strong in precision engineered refractory components due to advanced metallurgical research ecosystems. European producers dominate high temperature furnace components and semiconductor hardware materials.
North America remains strong in aerospace alloys and defense materials. Manufacturers here focus on high performance alloys rather than high volume powders.
Asia remains dominant in refining and powder production, particularly tungsten and molybdenum processing. Asian companies often compete on scale efficiency, supplying industrial grade refractory materials globally.
This geographic specialization reflects how supply chains remain regionally optimized within the Refractory Metals Market.
Refractory Metals Market Recent Industry Developments and Strategic Moves
Recent industry developments show growing investment in technology and supply chain resilience within the Refractory Metals Market.
2026 developments
- Aerospace suppliers increasing use of molybdenum-rhenium alloys for hypersonic testing programs
• Expansion of tungsten additive manufacturing powder capacity to support satellite manufacturing
• Increased investment in niobium alloys for fusion reactor demonstration projects
2025 developments
- Expansion of tantalum refining capacity to support semiconductor chip fabrication growth
• Strategic agreements between refractory metal processors and EV electronics manufacturers
• Growth in recycling infrastructure targeting aerospace scrap recovery
2024–2025 transition developments
- Increased development of ultra-high purity sputtering targets for advanced semiconductor nodes
• Investments in powder atomization technology for additive manufacturing
• Partnerships between refractory metal suppliers and nuclear reactor developers
These developments indicate that manufacturers are increasingly positioning themselves around high growth technology sectors rather than traditional metallurgy demand.
