Global Short Carbon Fiber market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.35 billion in 2024 to USD 2.5 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.

Short Carbon Fiber represents a critical advancement in composite materials, consisting of carbon fibers typically less than 6 mm in length, produced through processes like polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor conversion or pitch-based methods. These fibers offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, high stiffness, and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for reinforcing polymers and enhancing mechanical properties in various composites. Because of their versatility and cost-effectiveness compared to continuous fibers, short carbon fibers are increasingly integrated into industries seeking lightweight yet durable solutions, such as automotive production, aerospace engineering, and renewable energy components.

The market for short carbon fiber, while building on the broader carbon fiber sector, is experiencing robust expansion driven by the global push for fuel efficiency, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Demand is fueled by electric vehicle development, wind turbine innovations, and the need for high-performance sporting equipment, alongside regulatory pressures for reduced emissions and material recycling. Furthermore, ongoing research into bio-based precursors is broadening accessibility, positioning short carbon fiber as a cornerstone in the transition to greener technologies.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive presentation of the global market for Short Carbon Fiber, with both quantitative and qualitative analysis, to help readers develop business/growth strategies, assess the market competitive situation, analyze their position in the current marketplace, and make informed business decisions regarding Short Carbon Fiber. This report contains market size and forecasts of Short Carbon Fiber in global, including the following market information:

• Global Short Carbon Fiber Market Revenue, 2018-2023, 2024-2032, ($ millions)
• Global Short Carbon Fiber Market Sales, 2018-2023, 2024-2032, (K MT)

Global top five Short Carbon Fiber companies in 2022 (%)
The global Short Carbon Fiber market was valued at US$ 1.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 2.3 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. The influence of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War were considered while estimating market sizes.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at $ 350 Million in 2022, While China is Forecast to Reach $ 600 Million.
PAN-Based Carbon Fiber Segment to Reach $ 1.8 Billion by 2029, with a 11% CAGR in next six years.
The global key manufacturers of Short Carbon Fiber include Toray Industries (Japan), Hexcel Corporation (U.S.), Teijin Limited (Japan), Hyosung (South Korea) and SGL Group (Germany), etc. in 2022, the global top five players have a share approximately 65% in terms of revenue.
We surveyed the Short Carbon Fiber manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts on this industry, involving the sales, revenue, demand, price change, product type, recent development and plan, industry trends, drivers, challenges, obstacles, and potential risks.

Total Market by Segment:

• PAN-Based Carbon Fiber
• Pitch – Based Carbon Fiber
• Rayon – Based Carbon Fiber

• Automotive
• Aerospace & defense
• Sporting Goods
• Wind Energy
• Civil Engineering
• Pipe & Tank
• Marine
• Electrical & Electronics
• Others

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Rest of APAC)
• The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)
• South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)

Competitor Analysis

• The report also provides analysis of leading market participants including:
• Key companies Short Carbon Fiber revenues in global market, 2018-2023 (Estimated), ($ millions)
• Key companies Short Carbon Fiber revenues share in global market, 2022 (%)
• Key companies Short Carbon Fiber sales in global market, 2018-2023 (Estimated), (K MT)
• Key companies Short Carbon Fiber sales share in global market, 2022 (%)

Key players include:

• Toray Industries (Japan)
• Hexcel Corporation (U.S.)
• Teijin Limited (Japan)
• Hyosung (South Korea)
• SGL Group (Germany)

Outline of Major Chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduces the definition of Short Carbon Fiber, market overview.
Chapter 2: Global Short Carbon Fiber market size in revenue and volume.
Chapter 3: Detailed analysis of Short Carbon Fiber manufacturers competitive landscape, price, sales and revenue market share, latest development plan, merger, and acquisition information, etc.
Chapter 4: Provides the analysis of various market segments by type, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.
Chapter 5: Provides the analysis of various market segments by application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.
Chapter 6: Sales of Short Carbon Fiber in regional level and country level. It provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space of each country in the world.
Chapter 7: Provides profiles of key players, introducing the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product sales, revenue, price, gross margin, product introduction, recent development, etc.
Chapter 8: Global Short Carbon Fiber capacity by region & country.
Chapter 9: Introduces the market dynamics, latest developments of the market, the driving factors and restrictive factors of the market, the challenges and risks faced by manufacturers in the industry, and the analysis of relevant policies in the industry.
Chapter 10: Analysis of industrial chain, including the upstream and downstream of the industry.
Chapter 11: The main points and conclusions of the report.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The Short Carbon Fiber market can be divided into three key product categories based on precursor materials, each offering distinct properties suited to specific performance requirements in composites.

1. PAN-Based Carbon Fiber

PAN-based short carbon fibers, derived from polyacrylonitrile precursors, are the most prevalent type due to their balanced mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and moderate modulus. These fibers are widely processed into chopped forms for easy integration into thermoplastic and thermoset matrices, providing enhanced impact resistance and fatigue durability in structural applications.

• Market Insight: PAN-based fibers dominate the market, accounting for over 80% of global consumption, primarily because of their cost-effectiveness and compatibility with high-volume production methods like injection molding. They are especially favored in automotive and consumer goods sectors where weight reduction without sacrificing safety is paramount. However, as demand for ultra-high-performance materials rises, some users are exploring hybrid blends to optimize cost and performance.

• Trend: With the surge in electric vehicle adoption, PAN-based short fibers are seeing increased use in battery enclosures and lightweight chassis components. Manufacturers in Asia-Pacific are scaling production capacities to meet this growing need, driven by investments in sustainable mobility solutions.

2. Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber

Pitch-based short carbon fibers, produced from petroleum or coal tar pitch, exhibit superior thermal conductivity and graphitic structure, making them suitable for applications requiring heat dissipation and high modulus. Their unique alignment of carbon layers provides excellent stiffness, though they are generally more expensive and less flexible than PAN variants.

• Market Insight: This segment is gaining traction in niche high-end applications, such as aerospace interiors and electronic housings, where thermal management is critical. Demand is rising as industries seek to replace metals in heat-sensitive components, but production complexities limit widespread adoption. Nonetheless, advancements in precursor refinement are lowering costs, broadening appeal.

• Trend: The push toward 5G infrastructure and high-power electronics is boosting pitch-based fiber use in conductive composites for EMI shielding. European and North American firms are investing in R&D to enhance fiber dispersion techniques, aiming to penetrate emerging markets like renewable energy storage.

3. Rayon-Based Carbon Fiber

Rayon-based short carbon fibers, originating from regenerated cellulose, offer good chemical resistance and flexibility, often used in applications demanding abrasion resistance or biocompatibility. While less common today due to higher processing costs, they provide unique advantages in filtration and protective gear.

• Market Insight: Representing a smaller market share, rayon-based fibers are valued in specialty sectors like marine and civil engineering for their corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Their role is evolving with bio-based material trends, as rayon precursors align with sustainability goals. However, competition from PAN types challenges growth unless differentiated by unique properties.

• Trend: Sustainability initiatives are revitalizing interest, particularly in Europe where eco-friendly composites are prioritized. Pilot projects in wind energy blades and water infrastructure are testing rayon blends for longer service life, potentially expanding this segment if recycling efficiencies improve.

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Segmentation by Application

Applications highlight the versatility of short carbon fibers, leveraging their reinforcement capabilities to address challenges in weight reduction, durability, and functionality across diverse sectors. Each area capitalizes on the fibers’ ability to improve composite performance without significant cost escalation.

1. Automotive

The automotive sector stands as the largest consumer of short carbon fibers, utilizing them in interior panels, underbody shields, and structural reinforcements to achieve fuel savings and enhanced crash safety. Integration via compounding with resins allows for complex part molding, supporting the industry’s shift toward electrification.

• Insight: Short fibers enable 20-30% weight reduction in components like bumpers and seats, critical for extending electric vehicle range. Major OEMs are scaling adoption, with PAN-based variants leading due to processability.

• Trend: As global EV sales accelerate, particularly in China and Europe, demand is surging for recycled short fiber blends to meet circular economy mandates. Collaborations between automakers and suppliers are fostering customized formulations for battery thermal management.

2. Aerospace & Defense

In aerospace and defense, short carbon fibers reinforce radomes, UAV frames, and protective gear, providing radar transparency and ballistic resistance. Their lightweight nature supports fuel-efficient aircraft designs and agile military equipment.

• Insight: High-modulus pitch-based fibers are preferred for critical load-bearing parts, contributing to overall aircraft weight savings of up to 15%. Defense applications benefit from enhanced impact toughness in composite armors.

• Trend: Rising geopolitical tensions and space commercialization are driving investments in advanced composites. North American primes like Boeing are exploring short fiber hybrids for next-gen drones, emphasizing rapid prototyping and repairability.

3. Wind Energy

Wind energy applications employ short carbon fibers in turbine blades and nacelles to boost stiffness and fatigue resistance, enabling larger rotors for higher power output. Their use mitigates blade tip deflections in offshore installations.

• Insight: Incorporating short fibers reduces material costs by 10-20% compared to continuous fibers while maintaining structural integrity under cyclic loads. Europe leads adoption, driven by ambitious renewable targets.

• Trend: Offshore wind farm expansions in Asia-Pacific are accelerating demand, with focus on recyclable fibers to address end-of-life challenges. Innovations in automated layup are making short fiber integration more efficient.

4. Sporting Goods

Sporting goods leverage short carbon fibers for racquets, bike frames, and helmet shells, offering superior vibration damping and power transfer. This enhances athlete performance while ensuring safety through impact absorption.

• Insight: PAN-based short fibers provide cost-effective upgrades over glass alternatives, capturing a growing share in mass-market equipment. Customization allows tailored stiffness for different sports.

• Trend: The wellness boom post-pandemic is expanding the market, especially in Asia. Brands are incorporating sustainable short fibers from recycled sources, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

5. Electrical & Electronics

In electrical and electronics, short carbon fibers conduct electricity in housings and antistatic packaging, preventing ESD damage. They also thermally manage heat sinks in devices like smartphones and EVs.

• Insight: Pitch-based variants excel in conductivity, reducing reliance on metals. This segment grows with miniaturization, where lightweight composites replace traditional materials.

• Trend: 5G and IoT proliferation demands advanced EMI shielding, boosting short fiber use. Asian electronics hubs are leading R&D in multifunctional composites for wearables.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Automotive Manufacturers

Automotive manufacturers form the largest end-user group for short carbon fibers, incorporating them into vehicle platforms to meet stringent CAFE standards and consumer demands for luxury light weighting.

• Insight: Major players like Tesla and Volkswagen are embedding short fibers in 20% of new models, focusing on sustainability and performance. Supply chain localization in Asia supports volume growth.

• Trend: Electrification trends are prioritizing fibers in powertrain components, with Europe emphasizing low-carbon production methods to comply with green regulations.

2. Aerospace & Defense Companies

Aerospace and defense firms, from Lockheed Martin to Airbus, rely on short carbon fibers for mission-critical parts, balancing durability with aerodynamics in an era of unmanned systems.

• Insight: Adoption in non-structural elements cuts costs while maintaining safety certifications. U.S. defense budgets allocate more for advanced materials R&D.

• Trend: Hypersonic and space programs demand high-temperature resistant fibers, fostering innovations in hybrid short fiber systems for reusable rockets.

3. Energy & Wind Companies

Energy firms, particularly in renewables, use short carbon fibers to optimize turbine efficiency and grid infrastructure, supporting the global net-zero transition.

• Insight: Offshore projects highlight fibers’ role in extending blade lifespan by 25%. Investments in Asia-Pacific wind capacities drive procurement.

• Trend: Hydrogen and solar storage applications are emerging, with companies testing conductive short fibers for electrode reinforcements.

4. Sporting & Consumer Goods Producers

Sporting and consumer goods producers integrate short carbon fibers to elevate product premiumization, from golf clubs to luggage, enhancing user experience through lightness and strength.

• Insight: Mid-tier brands are shifting from fiberglass, captured by affordable PAN short fibers. E-commerce growth amplifies demand in emerging markets.

• Trend: Personalization via 3D printing with short fiber composites is rising, particularly in fitness gear tailored for diverse demographics.

5. Electronics & Industrial Companies

Electronics and industrial end-users employ short carbon fibers for functional enhancements in casings and tooling, prioritizing conductivity and wear resistance.

• Insight: Samsung and similar giants use them in device chassis for heat dissipation, steady demand from consumer electronics cycles.

• Trend: Industrial automation favors short fibers in robotic arms, with focus on recyclable variants to meet corporate ESG goals.

The Short Carbon Fiber market is best understood through its segmentation landscape. By product type, PAN-based fibers lead with steady dominance, but pitch and rayon variants offer growth in specialized niches driven by performance needs in electronics and renewables. By application, automotive commands the forefront, yet aerospace and wind energy emerge as high-potential areas amid technological advancements. By end-user, automotive manufacturers prevail, complemented by energy and aerospace sectors that fuel innovation and long-term expansion.

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