Construction Surge and Prefabrication Trend Propel U.S. Structural Metal Market Growth

According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the U.S. structural metal market reached a value of USD 92.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to witness a robust CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2032, ultimately hitting USD 146.9 billion by 2032. This impressive growth trajectory is fueled by the booming construction industry, rapid urbanization, and increasing investment in infrastructure development across the nation.

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Government initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocated nearly USD 550 billion to key sectors like transportation and public utilities, are major catalysts for market expansion. The need for durable, energy-efficient building materials in both public and private infrastructure projects continues to surge, with structural metals playing a pivotal role in bridges, power plants, hospitals, and residential complexes.

The adoption of advanced technologies such as CNC machining and 3D printing is further revolutionizing the market, enabling the production of complex, customized structural components. Simultaneously, the move towards prefabricated construction is accelerating demand for structural metal products, thanks to their strength, recyclability, and cost efficiency.

Key Insights

• The support & structure category dominated the product landscape with a 50% share in 2024, attributed to widespread use of beams, columns, trusses, and framing systems in infrastructure like bridges and high-rise buildings.
• Prefabricated buildings emerged as the fastest-growing product segment, expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.5%, driven by demand for quicker, cost-effective construction methods and scalability in data centers, warehouses, and affordable housing.
• Steel led the type segment with a 50% market share in 2024, valued for its strength, corrosion resistance, and load-bearing capacity, making it indispensable in modern infrastructure development.
• Aluminum is poised to witness the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.4%, owing to its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and eco-friendly profile, especially in LEED-certified and green building projects.
• The commercial sector accounted for the largest end-use share at 55% in 2024, supported by expanding urban centers and the growing need for institutional and office infrastructure using high-performance metals.
• The residential sector is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.3%, propelled by the rise in modular housing and the shift from timber to metal for enhanced fire and weather resistance.
• The South region led the geographical segmentation with a 40% share in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.5%, driven by booming populations in Texas, Florida, and Georgia, and a surge in industrial relocations due to favorable business environments.
• The U.S. structural metal market remains fragmented, marked by the presence of numerous regional competitors and standardized production methods. This opens opportunities for businesses focused on innovation, service excellence, and cost efficiency.
• Major industry players include Nucor Corporation, Commercial Metals Company, Steel Dynamics, Valmont Industries, Zekelman Industries, and United Steel Inc., all of which are actively investing in expansion and innovation to strengthen their market positions.
• In January 2025, Nucor Corporation announced a USD 200 million investment to establish its third utility structure facility in Brigham City, Utah, highlighting ongoing capacity expansions.
• In a strategic move, Zekelman Industries acquired EXLTUBE's assets in November 2022, adding three new mills and over 530,000 square feet of manufacturing space, further consolidating its position in the steel tubing market.

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Rising Urban Population and Green Incentives Fuel China's USD 76.1 Billion Prefab Construction Surge

According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the China prefabricated buildings market was valued at USD 40.8 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to surge to USD 76.1 billion by 2032, expanding at a strong CAGR of 8.3% during 2025–2032. This growth is primarily driven by robust government support for infrastructure development, the rapidly increasing urban population, and a growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective, and labor-efficient construction solutions.

China’s ambitious green infrastructure regulations, along with supportive initiatives such as tax incentives, low-interest loans, and green building certifications, are catalyzing the adoption of prefabrication. The government’s 14th Five-Year Plan mandates that at least 30% of new urban construction by 2025 be prefabricated, underscoring the sector’s strategic importance. Provinces like Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Guangdong have launched pilot projects involving hospitals and schools to reinforce this approach. Furthermore, China’s urbanization rate—rising from 19% in 1980 to 64.6% in 2023, and projected to surpass 70% by 2030—is fueling the need for scalable, efficient housing and infrastructure solutions.

Key Insights

• The panel system dominated the product segment in 2024 with a 35% market share, owing to its user-friendly assembly, flexible designs, and fast deployment, ideal for large-scale residential and commercial construction.
• Cellular systems, featuring factory-built kitchen units and bathroom pods, are set to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.3%, favored in sectors like healthcare and hospitality for their superior quality and efficiency.
• Among applications, the residential sector held the largest share at 40%, supported by urban migration and government programs for affordable rental housing in top-tier cities.
• The commercial segment is poised for the highest CAGR of 9.5%, driven by increasing demand for offices, hotels, and educational facilities, especially in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.
• Bathroom pods led the module category with a 55% share in 2024 and are projected to maintain the highest CAGR of 10%, due to their time-saving, labor-reducing features and suitability for major projects.
• Concrete materials were the most preferred, accounting for 55% of the market, thanks to their durability, strength, and thermal efficiency, particularly in large residential and commercial structures.
• Metal-based prefab structures will witness the fastest growth at a CAGR of 9.2%, driven by their lightweight, ease of assembly, and rising demand in warehouse and factory construction.
• East China emerged as the dominant region, with a 35% market share in 2024 and the fastest CAGR of 8.5%, backed by favorable policies, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and access to seaports.
• Major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are key hubs, benefiting from advanced technologies, public investment, and regional subsidies for sustainable construction.
• The market remains highly fragmented, with local players offering modular components like steel frames and panels. This fragmentation leads to diverse quality levels but fosters healthy competition.
• Key manufacturers include CIMC Modular Building Systems, Hangxiao Steel Structure, Ningbo Deepblue Smart House, and Guangdong Linghe Composite Material, among others.
• Recent industry developments include CIMC's modular student residence project in Hong Kong (Dec 2024), a partnership with China State Construction for modular steel structures (April 2023), and a sustainability-focused collaboration with Eternal Tsingshan Group (July 2023).
• Notable private-sector projects such as Mini Sky City (Changsha), Unicorn Island (Chengdu), and modular housing in Shenzhen exemplify the scalability and innovation in prefabricated construction.
• The adoption of digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software is enhancing project efficiency, reducing full-cycle emissions, and aligning with China’s Dual Carbon Goals.
• The construction sector emitted over 430 million tonnes of carbon in 2022, prompting aggressive government action plans to promote energy-efficient building practices across residential and commercial developments.

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