Market Forecast By Source (Virgin, Recycled), By Precursor (PAN, Pitch, Rayon), By Resin (Thermosetting, Thermoplastic), By End-use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Wind Energy, Automotive, Sporting Goods, Civil Engineering, Pipe & Tank, Marine), By Manufacturing Process (Lay-up, Resin Transfer Molding, Filament Winding, Compression Molding, Injection Molding, Pultrusion, Others) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC4499809 | Publication Date: Jul 2023 | Updated Date: Sep 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Ravi Bhandari | No. of Pages: 200 | No. of Figures: 90 | No. of Tables: 300 |
| Report Name | South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market |
| Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
| CAGR | 6.4% |
| Growing Sector | Automotive |
The South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market thoroughly covers the market by source, by precursor, by resin, by end-use industry, and by manufacturing process. The South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Market has experienced significant success and is expected to continue growing in the future. The market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors. Lightweight, high-strength carbon fibers are favored for their performance benefits, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Key market drivers include advancements in manufacturing technologies and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Challenges include high production costs and limited domestic raw material supply. Future growth is anticipated as industries continue to prioritize lightweight and durable materials in their applications.
According to 6Wresearch, South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market size is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.4% during 2025-2031. One major driver in the South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) market is the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials across various industries. In sectors like automotive and aerospace, there is a significant emphasis on improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall performance. Carbon fibers offer a unique combination of properties, including high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, making them ideal for replacing traditional materials like steel or aluminum. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing technologies have led to more cost-effective production methods, driving wider adoption of carbon fiber composites.
The renewable energy sector is also contributing to market growth, with applications in wind turbine blades, solar panels, and energy storage systems. As industries strive for sustainability and regulatory pressures increase to reduce environmental impact, carbon fiber's role in light weighting and improving efficiency is expected to further drive market expansion in South Africa. However, some major challenges in the South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) market include high production costs, limited domestic raw material supply, and the need for specialized manufacturing expertise. The initial investment required for setting up carbon fiber production facilities and the cost of raw materials contribute to higher production costs. Additionally, the reliance on imported raw materials and the lack of a robust local supply chain present challenges in ensuring consistent and cost-effective production.
Several leading players are shaping the South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) market. Companies like SGL Carbon, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, and Toray Industries are prominent in providing high-quality carbon fibers and CFRP solutions. Their expertise in research, development, and production technologies positions them as key suppliers to industries like automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Other notable players include Teijin Limited, Hexcel Corporation, and Owens Corning, contributing to the market competitiveness through innovative products and strategic partnerships that drive advancements in carbon fiber materials and applications in South Africa.
In South Africa, government regulations play a crucial role in shaping the Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) market. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) oversees policies related to manufacturing, including those impacting the use and production of advanced materials like carbon fibers. These regulations often focus on environmental sustainability, safety standards, and import/export controls. For instance, there may be guidelines for the disposal of carbon fiber waste to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the government may incentivize industries to adopt lightweight and sustainable materials through subsidies or tax incentives. Regulations related to intellectual property rights and technology transfer also influence market dynamics, impacting partnerships and collaborations within the industry. Overall, government regulations in South Africa aim to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, driving innovation and compliance within the CFRP market.
The South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Market has been experiencing significant growth over the past few years. The future of the CFRP market in South Africa looks promising, with several key trends and insights shaping its trajectory. Increasing awareness and adoption of lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace sectors will drive demand for carbon fibers. The renewable energy industry growth, especially in wind and solar power, will create opportunities for CFRP applications in components like turbine blades and solar panels. Technological advancements in production processes will likely reduce costs, making CFRP more accessible to a wider range of industries. Government initiatives promoting sustainability and carbon footprint reduction will further boost market growth. Collaborations and partnerships between industry players, research institutions, and government bodies will drive innovation and accelerate market penetration, leading to a dynamic and competitive CFRP market landscape in South Africa.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Head of Research, 6Wresearch, Virgin carbon fiber have dominated the South African market due to its superior material properties, including higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to its recycled counterparts. These advantages make virgin carbon fibers ideal for high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, and wind energy sectors, where material performance cannot be compromised. On the other hand, the recycled carbon fiber segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The increasing emphasis on sustainability and cost reduction is driving the adoption of recycled carbon fibers. These fibers offer a eco-friendlier and cost-effective alternative for industries such as sporting goods, consumer electronics, and non-critical automotive components.
On the basis of precursor, the PAN (polyacrylonitrile) based carbon fiber is poised to dominate the South African market. This dominance can be attributed to its superior mechanical properties, high strength-to-weight ratio, and wide range of applications, especially in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries. The Pitch-based carbon fiber segment, while more new, is expected to experience steady growth due to its exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, making it desirable for high-performance applications. On the other hand, the Rayon-based carbon fiber segment, despite its historical significance, may witness slower growth as it is less commonly used in modern industrial applications compared to PAN and Pitch-based counterparts.
Based on resin, thermosetting resins are expected to dominate the South Africa carbon Fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic market due to their superior heat resistance and structural integrity, making them indispensable in high-performance applications such as aerospace, automotive, and wind energy. On the other hand, the thermoplastic resin segment is projected to grow significantly in the industry, driven by its advantages in terms of recyclability, impact resistance, and faster processing times. Thermoplastics are gaining traction in sectors such as consumer goods, sporting equipment, and medical devices, where ease of manufacturing and cost-effectiveness are paramount. As innovations in thermoplastic composites continue, their application scope is expected to broaden, further fueling market growth.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
| 1 Executive Summary |
| 2 Introduction |
| 2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
| 2.2 Report Description |
| 2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
| 2.4 Research Methodology |
| 2.5 Assumptions |
| 3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Overview |
| 3.1 South Africa Country Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Source, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.6 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Precursor, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.7 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Resin, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.8 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End-use Industry, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.9 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Manufacturing Process, 2021 & 2031F |
| 4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.2.1 Growing demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace industries |
| 4.2.2 Increasing focus on sustainability and environmental concerns |
| 4.2.3 Advancements in manufacturing technologies for carbon fiber products |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 4.3.1 High cost of carbon fiber materials compared to traditional materials |
| 4.3.2 Limited awareness and understanding of carbon fiber technology |
| 4.3.3 Lack of infrastructure for large-scale production and distribution |
| 5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Trends |
| 6 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By Types |
| 6.1 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By Source |
| 6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.1.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Source, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.1.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Virgin, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.1.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Recycled, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By Precursor |
| 6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.2.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By PAN, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.2.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Pitch, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.2.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Rayon, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By Resin |
| 6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.3.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Thermosetting, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.3.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Thermoplastic, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By End-use Industry |
| 6.4.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.4.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Aerospace & Defense, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Wind Energy, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Automotive, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4.5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Sporting Goods, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4.6 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Civil Engineering, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.4.7 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Pipe & Tank, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market, By Manufacturing Process |
| 6.5.1 Overview and Analysis |
| 6.5.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Lay-up, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Resin Transfer Molding, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Filament Winding, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5.5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Compression Molding, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5.6 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Injection Molding, 2021 - 2031F |
| 6.5.7 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, By Pultrusion, 2021 - 2031F |
| 7 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
| 7.1 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Export to Major Countries |
| 7.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Imports from Major Countries |
| 8 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 8.1 Percentage of automotive and aerospace companies using carbon fiber components in South Africa |
| 8.2 Research and development investments in carbon fiber technology by South African companies |
| 8.3 Number of partnerships and collaborations between South African companies and international carbon fiber manufacturers |
| 9 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 9.1 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Source, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Precursor, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.3 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Resin, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.4 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By End-use Industry, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.5 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Manufacturing Process, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 10.1 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
| 10.2 South Africa Carbon Fiber and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 11 Company Profiles |
| 12 Recommendations |
| 13 Disclaimer |