Copper Foil Market Analysis and Forecast to 2033: By Type (Electrodeposited, Rolled), Thickness (Below 10 µm, 10-50 µm, Above 50 µm), Method (Laminated, Electrolytic), Application (Printed Circuit Boards, Heat Exchangers, Lithium-ion Batteries, Electromagnetic Shielding, Flexible Electronics, Electrical Equipment, Busbars & Switchgears, Radiators, Others), End-Use Industry (Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Building & Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial Equipment, Medical, Others), and Region
Copper foil is a thin sheet of copper, crucial for electronics due to its conductivity and used in PCBs and other applications. The global copper foil market size was valued at USD 7,286.7 million in 2023 and is expected to reach at USD 14,670.1 by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2033.
The Copper Foil Market encompasses the production, distribution, and use of ultra-thin copper sheets (a few micrometers to millimeters thick). Key applications like PCBs and lithium-ion batteries drive this market, which is expected to grow due to miniaturization and increasing electronics demand.
Key Trends:
The copper foil market has seen notable shifts due to the rising adoption of lithium-ion batteries in the automotive sector. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there has been a surge in demand for electric vehicles, particularly in major markets such as the U.S., China, and Japan. This trend is supported by favorable policies and regulations promoting zero-emissions vehicles and stringent fuel economy standards. For instance., according to the International Energy Agency, in 2022, the demand for automotive Li-ion batteries surged by approximately 65% to 550 GWh from about 330 GWh in 2021. This growth is primarily attributed to a rise in electric passenger car sales, with new registrations increasing by 55% in the same period.
Additionally China, being the world's largest producer and consumer of copper, also dominated global electric vehicle production in 2022 with a 60.0% share, as reported by East Asia Forum. The country produced 8.0 million EVs in 2023, and this growth is expected to further drive demand for copper foil in China in the coming years. In China, the battery demand for vehicles grew over 70%, with electric car sales seeing an impressive 80% increase in 2022 compared to 2021.
This surge in battery demand, increased by the rising share of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) along with the rapid adoption of electric mobility in the region. Similarly, in the United States, battery demand for vehicles grew by around 80%, outpacing the 55% increase in electric car sales. The average battery size for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States only grew by about 7% in 2022, but it remains about 40% higher than the global average.
The global sales of BEVs and PHEVs are outpacing those of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and because BEV and PHEV battery sizes are generally larger, the demand for batteries continues to rise. This surge in battery demand directly increased need for copper foils, as they are a critical component in lithium-ion batteries. For instance., in December 2023, Voltas announced plans to build Canada's inaugural EV battery copper foil plant in Granby, Quebec, with a USD 750.0 million investment. Scheduled for commissioning in 2026, the plant will initially produce 23,000 tons of copper foil, scaling up to 57,000 tons by 2027. Copper foil is crucial in lithium-ion batteries as it serves as the current collector for the anode, ensuring efficient electron flow. Its high electrical conductivity enhances battery performance and energy efficiency. Additionally, copper foil's excellent mechanical properties and stability improve the overall durability and lifespan of the batteries. Thus, it is an essential component in the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Key Drivers:
Copper foil plays a crucial role in lithium-ion batteries, essential for electric vehicles. As electric vehicle adoption rises, the demand for copper foil also escalates accordingly. The rising demand for electric vehicles in North America, coupled with strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers. For instance, in July 2024, Solus Advanced Materials announces substantial growth in their electric vehicle battery copper foil business in North America. Sales have increased 5.8 times in the first five months of 2024, with the South Korean supplier now providing copper foils to America's leading electric vehicle manufacturer. Solus Advanced Materials, based in South Korea and specializing in copper foils for secondary batteries, has shown remarkable progress in its electric vehicle battery copper foil sector, especially in the North American market.
Further, the development of ultra-slim copper foil for EV batteries is the pursuit of innovative materials that enhance battery efficiency and performance, thereby supporting the growth and advancement of the electric vehicle industry. For instance, in November 2023, a tech company in central China developed an ultra-slim copper foil for EV batteries, thinner than a single hair but strong enough to support up to 30 kilograms. This groundbreaking copper foil technology is set to revolutionize China's electric vehicle (EV) industry, becoming crucial in the production of lithium batteries.
Moreover, the surge in electric vehicle adoption leads to increased demand for copper foil, thereby boosting the overall market growth. For instance, in July 2023, the growth in electric vehicles (EVs) are impacting the growth potential for copper foil demand. Despite a reduction in copper usage per unit, the increasing adoption of EVs compensates for this decline. Analysts now predict that EVs and plug-in hybrids will make up 42% of global vehicle sales by 2030, an increase from the previous forecast of one-third.
Restraints and Challenges:
Graphene sheets are poised to significantly impact the global copper foil market due to their unique properties. Graphene, composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, offers exceptional flexibility, self-cooling capabilities, and self-healing characteristics. These qualities make graphene an attractive alternative to copper foils, especially in applications requiring flexibility and durability, such as flexible circuits for electronics.
Graphene's flexibility allows it to fold into intricate shapes without compromising its integrity, a feature advantageous in manufacturing next-generation electronic devices like wearable tech and aerospace components. Graphene's ability to be folded into complex shapes akin to origami and its applications in flexible circuits and displays make it a highly attractive alternative to copper foils in many technological applications. Its self-cooling properties and ability to self-heal also contribute to its appeal, potentially enhancing device performance and longevity compared to traditional copper foils.
As graphene technology advances and becomes more economically viable, it may challenge the growth of the global copper foil market. Furthermore, graphene's capability to reduce power consumption and improve the performance of electronic devices, such as computers and flexible displays, disrupt the market traditionally dominated by copper foils. As a result, the development and adoption of graphene sheets are expected to limit the growth prospects of the copper foil market in the future, as industries increasingly explore and adopt graphene-based solutions for their conductivity and flexibility needs.
Segmentation:
Type (Electrodeposited, Rolled), Thickness (Below 10 µm, 10-50 µm, Above 50 µm), Method (Laminated, Electrolytic), Application (Printed Circuit Boards, Heat Exchangers, Lithium-ion Batteries, Electromagnetic Shielding, Flexible Electronics, Electrical Equipment, Busbars & Switchgears, Radiators, Others), End-Use Industry (Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Building & Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial Equipment, Medical, Others), and Region
Key Players:
The Copper Foil Market includes players such as ENEOS HOLDINGS, INC. (JX NIPPON MINING & METALS), JIANGXI COPPER CORPORATION, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., CIRCUIT FOIL (DOOSAN CORPORATION), CHANG CHUN PETROCHEMICAL, NAN YA PLASTICS CORPORATION, LOTTE ENERGY MATERIALS CORPORATION, UACJ CORPORATION, KINGBOARD CHEMICAL HOLDINGS, MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO.,LTD, KME GROUP, FURUKAWA CO.,LTD, SKC, ROGERS CORPORATION, SOLUS ADVANCED MATERIALS, AMARI COPPER ALLOYS, TARGRAY TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, COPPER FOILS INC., and LONDIAN WASON (SHENZHEN) HOLDINGS GROUP CO., LTD., among others.
Value Chain Analysis:
- The value chain of the copper foil market begins with raw material supply, where copper ore is extracted from mines and then refined to produce high-purity copper. The next stage involves copper foil production, where refined copper undergoes an electrolytic process to create thin copper foils. These foils are then rolled and, if necessary, coated to meet specific requirements.
- Once produced, copper foils are sent through the fabrication stage, where they are converted into various products, such as electronic components and printed circuit boards (PCBs). These products are then distributed through a network of logistics and supply chain management, ensuring they reach manufacturers and end-users efficiently.
- In the end-use applications phase, copper foils are utilized in various sectors, including electronics, where they are integral to devices like smartphones and laptops, as well as in automotive and aerospace industries for components in electric vehicles and aircraft. Finally, the value chain concludes with recycling, where used copper foils are collected and processed to recover copper, promoting sustainability and reducing the need for new raw materials. Each stage of the value chain adds value to the copper foil, contributing to its quality and functionality in various applications.
Research Scope:
- Estimates and forecast the overall market size for the total market, across type, application, and region
- Detailed information and key takeaways on qualitative and quantitative trends, dynamics, business framework, competitive landscape, and company profiling
- Identify factors influencing market growth and challenges, opportunities, drivers, and restraints
- Identify factors that could limit company participation in identified international markets to help properly calibrate market share expectations and growth rates
- Trace and evaluate key development strategies like acquisitions, product launches, mergers, collaborations, business expansions, agreements, partnerships, and R&D activities
- Thoroughly analyze smaller market segments strategically, focusing on their potential, individual patterns of growth, and impact on the overall market
- To thoroughly outline the competitive landscape within the market, including an assessment of business and corporate strategies, aimed at monitoring and dissecting competitive advancements
- Identify the primary market participants, based on their business objectives, regional footprint, product offerings, and strategic initiatives
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