According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the U.S. structural metal market reached a valuation of USD 92.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during 2025–2032, ultimately hitting USD 146.9 billion by 2032. This robust growth is largely fueled by the rapid expansion of the construction industry, as population growth and urban migration continue to surge. Rising purchasing power and government-led infrastructure initiatives are further amplifying the demand for structural metals across the country.
Structural metals are integral to modern construction—supporting everything from foundations to roofs. The adoption of prefabricated buildings is accelerating demand, as these metal structures offer significant benefits in terms of speed, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. Moreover, advancements such as 3D printing and CNC machining are revolutionizing the manufacturing of customized structural metal components, enabling more complex and innovative architectural designs.
Key Insights
- The support & structure category dominated the market with a 50% share in 2024, as components like beams, columns, trusses, and frames remain essential across all major infrastructure projects including high-rises, power plants, and bridges.
- The prefabricated buildings segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.5%, driven by the rising demand for cost-effective and rapid construction methods. These include modular units and container-based structures, ideal for warehouses, data centers, and affordable housing.
- In terms of material type, steel accounted for the largest share (50%) in 2024, owing to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Its use is widespread across industrial, commercial, and infrastructural projects.
- Aluminum will be the fastest-growing material type, with a projected CAGR of 6.4%, thanks to its lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and increasing adoption in green buildings and LEED-certified projects.
- The commercial sector led the end-use market with a 55% share in 2024, driven by strong demand for retail complexes, office buildings, and institutional infrastructure in growing urban hubs.
- The residential sector will witness the highest CAGR of 6.3%, as demand for sustainable, disaster-resistant, and affordable housing rises. Light-gauge steel is increasingly replacing timber due to its resilience against fire, termites, and extreme weather.
- The market is heavily influenced by government policies and investments, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated USD 550 billion to infrastructure sectors requiring robust metal structures.
- The U.S. Census Bureau reported USD 2,196.1 billion in construction spending as of March 2025, highlighting the scale of ongoing infrastructure development.
- Urbanization is another key driver, with 80% of the population residing in cities as of 2024. This urban concentration is pushing the demand for stronger, faster, and more sustainable construction methods using structural metals.
- Sustainability trends are playing a pivotal role, with metals being preferred for their recyclability. Recycling metal consumes up to 95% less energy than processing virgin material, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
- Technological innovations such as 3D printing and CNC machining are enhancing precision, efficiency, and design flexibility, allowing for the production of complex and tailor-made structural metal components.
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