U.S. Metal Plating & Treatment Market to Surpass $42.7 Billion by 2032, Fueled by EV and Aerospace Boom

According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the U.S. metal plating & treatment market, valued at USD 31.1 billion in 2024, is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2032—reaching an estimated USD 42.7 billion by that year. This growth is being fueled by demand from high‑performance industries like automotive, aerospace, infrastructure, electronics & electrical, renewable energy, and defense & military. Companies are increasingly adopting plating and treatment processes not only for their superior performance and durability but also to meet tightening regulations around corrosion and safety. The rising urban population, increased spending power, evolving lifestyles, and government initiatives that support infrastructure development are further underpinning this market surge. Within this context, zinc galvanizing remains a cost‑effective, widely‑used method across automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors for its excellent corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, the electronics and semiconductor industries are turning to gold electroplating—valued for its exceptional conductivity, oxidation resistance, and reliability—in applications such as PCB connectors, 5G infrastructure, EV battery components, and medical devices.

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Key Insights

• The industry is embracing automation and smart manufacturing to enhance precision, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in metal plating & treatment processes.
• IoT‑enabled predictive maintenance is now helping detect machine issues before they lead to downtime—bolstering productivity and reducing reliance on skilled labor.
• Automation is also improving workplace safety by assigning hazardous plating tasks to machines instead of human workers.
• A major boost to innovation came in April 2024 when the DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) announced a USD 33 million funding opportunity aimed at advancing smart manufacturing technologies.
• Growth in the automotive and aerospace industries continues to be a core market driver.
• U.S. automotive sales rose from 16,009,268 units in 2023 to 16,340,472 units in 2024 (OICA), reflecting a strong demand tailwind.
• EV adoption is surging—EV sales in the U.S. jumped 40% in 2023 compared to 2022 (IEA), while EVs took a record 20% share of all U.S. auto sales in 2024 (CNBC).
• This demand is prompting increased use of advanced plating solutions, such as zinc–nickel coatings for battery parts, conductive finishes for high-voltage systems, and eco‑friendly trivalent chrome alternatives.
• Equipment providers are responding by offering new automated plating systems, nano-engineered coatings, and closed‑loop water treatment solutions.
• The aerospace sector’s expansion also supports demand for high-performance plating to enhance aircraft operational efficiency, fuel economy, and safety.
• General aviation saw a 4.2% rise in piston aircraft sales in 2024 from 2023, and business jet deliveries climbed to 764 from 730 (GAMA).
• Strategic aircraft purchase plans like American Airlines’ March 2024 order for 260 new aircraft—including 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, 85 Airbus A321neos, and 90 Embraer E175s—indicate robust future demand.
• Segmentation Analysis:
• Electroplating dominated in 2024, accounting for 55% of market share, thanks to its flexibility, cost‑effectiveness, and wide applicability—from automotive corrosion protection to electronics plating.
• Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is the fastest growing segment, with a CAGR of 4.4%, offering eco-friendly, ultra-durable coatings ideal for biocompatible implants, turbine parts, and premium device finishes.
• Metal Type Trends:
• Ferrous metals held 60% of the market in 2024, favored for strength and affordability in applications like automotive chassis and infrastructure components requiring corrosion-resistant finishes.
• Non‑ferrous metals are the fastest growing category (CAGR 4.5%), driven by demands in EVs, aerospace, and electronics—where lightweight aluminum and highly conductive copper are increasingly used.
• Application Highlights:
• Automotive was the largest application segment in 2024 (40% share), leveraging zinc–nickel coatings for corrosion resistance and decorative chrome trims, with EVs stimulating further specialized plating needs.
• The electronics sector is the fastest-growing area (CAGR 5%)—spurred by high-frequency 5G components and IoT devices needing precise, small-scale plating—and supported by the USD 52.7 billion CHIPS & Science Act boosting semiconductor production.
• Regional Outlook:
• The Midwest led in 2024 with a 30% market share, anchored by concentrated automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.
• The South region is poised for the fastest growth (CAGR 5.2%), thanks to its expanding aerospace & defense base—driven by firms like SpaceX, Boeing, NASA—and favorable business policies, low energy costs, and regional incentives.
• Competitive Landscape:
• The market is fragmented, with numerous regional providers alongside major service players offering tailored plating and treatment services across industries.
• Notable U.S. companies include Lincoln Industries, linetec, Seneca Companies, SRG Global, Allied Finishing, International Hardcoat, Eastern Plating, Klein Plating Works, Techmetals, General Magnaplate, Swanson Industries, and Plateco Inc.
• Recent Market Developments:
• In December 2024, Kymera International acquired Coating Center Castrop GmbH, strengthening its precision machining and thermal spraying capabilities.
• Also in December 2024, Umicore’s metal deposition solutions business acquired Shinhao Materials LLC to broaden its semiconductor market presence.
• In October 2024, Atlas Holdings’ affiliate agreed to acquire SRG Global, enhancing its offering in integrated automotive decorative trim systems.
• In August 2024, HD Sports completed a six-year transformation of its Sheffield electroplating facility—introducing automation, data‑driven operations, and optimized plant design in partnership with Plating Solutions.