Report Highlights
The global market for lightweight materials used in transportation reached $115.4 billion in 2014. This market is expected to reach about $109 billion by 2015 and $188.7 billion by 2020, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6% from 2015 to 2020.
Report Includes
- An overview of the global market for lightweight materials in transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships.
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2014, estimates for 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.
- Identification of lightweight materials that are in commercial use or under development for transportation applications.
- Discussion of trends by type of material and application.
- Analysis of the market's dynamics, specifically growth drivers, inhibitors, and opportunities.
- Factors that will influence the long-term development of the market.
- Profiles of major players in the industry.
Report Scope
The report is global in scope, focusing on the worldwide market for lightweight materials in transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, aircraft, trains and ships. Lightweight materials are defined broadly as materials that are used in the fabrication of equipment primarily in order to minimize weight.
As the term is used in this report, transportation equipment includes all motorized vehicles or craft used to convey people, animals or cargo between two points, except for vehicles/craft used exclusively for sports or recreation applications (e.g., glider aircraft and sailboats). Sports and recreation vehicles and craft are excluded in part because they are the subjects of another BCC Research report, AVM053A – Materials and Devices for High-Performance Sports Products. In this report, dual-purpose transportation equipment, such as small airplanes, is analyzed along with vehicles and craft whose purpose is primarily commercial.
The report also does not cover motor vehicles, ships and aircraft built for and used by the armed forces of the United States and other nations.
The report includes the following major elements:
- Executive summary.
- Definitions.
- A listing of lightweight materials that are in commercial use or under development for transportation applications.
- A listing of lightweight materials and applications with the greatest commercial potential through 2020.
- Global market trends by type of material and application, 2014 to 2020.
- Factors that will influence the long-term development of the market.
Analyst Credentials
Andrew McWilliams spent more than 25 years as a consultant with Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company and A.T. Kearny focused on manufacturing before segueing into research analysis. He has been covering myriad technology categories for BCC Research for more than 15 years. McWilliams has a BA from Princeton University and an MA from Harvard University. He has worked in more than 40 countries and he resides in the greater Boston area.
Related Reports
Smart Materials and Their Applications: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for smart materials totaled about $26.0 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach $42.2 billion in 2019, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% for the period 2014-2019.
Global Markets for Nanocomposites, Nanoparticles, Nanoclays, and Nanotubes
Global consumption of nanocomposites is expected to grow in unit terms from nearly 225,060 metric tons in 2014 to nearly 584,984 metric tons in 2019, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% for the period of 2014 to 2019.
The Global Market for Composites: Resins, Fillers, Reinforcements, Natural Fibers & Nanocomposites
The global reinforced plastic composite market is estimated to total 13.6 billion pounds in 2013, 14.3 billion pounds in 2014 and is expected to increase to nearly 17.2 billion pounds by 2019. This market is expected to show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% through the forecast period of 2014 to 2019.
Advanced Structural Carbon Products: Fibers, Foams & Composites
The U.S. market for structural carbon materials was worth $2.1 billion in 2012. This figure is expected to drop slightly to under $2.0 billion in 2013, then increase to $3.1 billion in 2018, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% between 2013 and 2018.
Track the Latest Global Tariff Developments
In today's fast-paced global economy, tariffs are no longer static—they are dynamic levers shaped by geopolitical realignments, supply chain vulnerabilities, inflationary pressures, and sustainability-driven trade reforms. As governments worldwide recalibrate their trade strategies, businesses are left to navigate a maze of shifting rules, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty.
Our analysis empowers you with real-time updates and in-depth expert analysis on all facets of global tariff activity. From new trade agreements and sanctions to abrupt tariff hikes and retaliatory duties, we monitor developments across borders, sectors, and industries—so you don't have to.
Whether it's the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics, the evolving EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), or the emerging policies in India, ASEAN, and Latin America, we provide full-spectrum coverage. We also track multilateral trade negotiations, World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings, and sector-specific duty structures—ensuring you are always ahead of global trade shifts.
With our analysis, you can stay informed, identify risks, and confidently respond to tariff changes—no matter where you operate.
Ready to see what tariff means for your business?
Consult with our experts or request your custom Tariff Impact Brife today
Stay Informed, Stay Competitive
In today's interconnected and unpredictable global economy, staying ahead of tariff shifts is not just important—it's essential. BCC Research provides decision-makers with trusted, research-driven insights that turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Our in-depth market analysis and trade intelligence help you decode how tariff changes impact your specific sector—manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, or energy. We break down complex data into actionable knowledge through comprehensive reports, expert commentaries, and sector-focused forecasts.
Our analysis includes:
- Thorough breakdowns of current and proposed tariff policies and how they affect regional and global trade flows.
- Sector-specific implications, helping you understand the strategic impact on sourcing, pricing, and competitiveness.
- Forward-looking insights to support risk management, planning, and response strategies for evolving trade conditions.
With BCC Research, you gain more than just information—you gain clarity and confidence to make well-informed decisions in a volatile trade environment.
Don't let tariffs catch you off guard—let our insights guide your strategy.
Recent Reports
Nonwoven Filter Media: Global Markets
The global market for nonwoven filter media is expected to grow from $6.6 billion in 2024 to reach $8.5 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 through 2029.
Global Green Steel Market
The global green steel market is expected to grow from $7.4 billion in 2024 to $19.4 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4% from 2024 through 2029.
Aerospace Ceramics: Global Markets to 2029
The global market for aerospace ceramics is expected to grow from $5.6 billion in 2024 to $8.2 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 through 2029.
2024 Advanced Materials Research Review
Research Reviews from BCC Research provide market professionals with concise market coverage within a specific research category. These Research Reviews include portions of several market research reports that were published in 2024.
Global Markets for Advanced Aerospace Materials
The global market for advanced aerospace materials is estimated to increase from $29.2 billion in 2024 to reach $42.9 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 through 2029.
Top Trending Reports
Global Pharmaceutical Drugs Industry: Competitive Landscape 2023
This report discusses the global pharmaceutical drugs industry and its competitive landscape in terms of significant player market ranking and top pharmaceutical drugs. Company profiles of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies, innovative products and technologies, trends and market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and regional trends are well-researched and analyzed in this report.
Biologic Therapeutic Drugs: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for biologic therapeutic drugs is estimated to increase from $499.2 billion in 2024 to reach $794.5 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2024 through 2029.
Next-Generation Advanced Batteries: Global Markets
The global market for next-generation advanced batteries is estimated to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to reach $5.3 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5% from 2024 through 2029.
Global Markets and Manufacturing Technologies for Protein Drugs
The global protein drugs market is expected to grow from $441.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $655.7 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029.
Global Markets for Emerging Medical Device Technologies
The global market for emerging medical devices is estimated to increase from $136.6 billion in 2024 to reach $223.9 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2024 through 2029.
Report Highlights
The market for lightweight materials in transportation was valued at $106 billion in 2011 and nearly $106.2 billion in 2012. Total market value is expected to reach nearly $153 billion in 2017 after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.
Report Includes
- An overview of the global market for lightweight materials in transportation equipment, including motor vehicles, aircraft, trains, and ships
- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2011, estimates for 2012, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2017
- Identification of lightweight materials that are in commercial use or under development for transportation applications
- Discussion of trends by type of material and application
- Factors that will influence the long-term development of the market
- Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.
Report Highlights
The total global consumption of lightweight materials used in transportation equipment was 46.7 million tons/$95.5 billion in 2010. This market is expected to reach 67.7 million tons/$125.3 billion by 2015, increasing at a compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 7.7% in tonnage terms and 5.6% in value terms between 2010 and 2015.
Report Highlights
-
The total global consumption of lightweight materials used in transportation equipment was 42.8 million tons/$80.5 billion in 2006 and will increase to 68.5 million tons/$106.4 billion by 2011, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% in tonnage terms and 5.7% in value terms between 2006 and 2011.
-
High strength steel accounts for the largest percentage of total tons of lightweight materials consumed, followed by aluminum and plastics. In value terms, plastics with their relatively high unit prices are the largest market segment. Aluminum and high strength steel are the second and third largest product segments.
-
Motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars and light trucks, are by far the largest end-user segment. Shipbuilding was the second largest consumer of lightweight materials, while the aircraft industry ranks second in the value of the lightweight materials consumed.
Become A Member
BCC Research offers a comprehensive library of reports, granting members unlimited access to data, insights, and market intelligence for informed business decisions, while actively supporting members in their evolving journeys and prioritizing high-quality, relevant topics based on continuous engagement with the research community.
Find Out MoreCustom Consulting
BCC Research emphasizes the importance of organizations leveraging highly customized market insights aligned with specific strategic business objectives through direct engagement with primary sources and proprietary forecasting models for profitable decision-making in maximizing growth opportunities and minimizing risks.
Customize NowScorecard
The Venture Scorecard provides commercialization offices and decision makers with expert analysis, offering strategic insights crucial for aligning objectives with market realities at various stages of commercializing new products or evaluating investment opportunities, from opportunity assessment to growth planning.
Find Out MoreInnovation Spotlight
Our industry experts offer strategic guidance to maximize the market potential of commercialized products, patents, and IP by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective positioning, using the Innovation Spotlight service for enhanced exposure to thought leaders and the wider community.
Find Out More