Market Overview

Global Spring Hinges Market reached US$ 8.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 12.4 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Scientists are currently experimenting with new spring hinge design which can maximize mechanical efficiency. A group of researchers from Fuzhou University in China published a paper in March 2024, detailing the development of a composite bistable tape-spring for a flexible hinge mechanism which has potential applications in automotive and aerospace industries.

The enaction of new trade barriers could be crippling the future growth prospects of the global market. Western governments have been wary about the cheaper Chinese imports flooding their markets and disrupting domestic players. Many nations are contemplating an outright ban on Chinese imports. However, such a move will invite retaliatory action from China and the ensuing tariff war will be detrimental for market growth.

Market Dynamics

Rise in Global Automotive Production

The global automotive industry has staged a spectacular comeback from the lows of the pandemic. The official 2023 data from the international organization of motor vehicle manufacturers (OICA) indicates a 10% increase from 2022, for a total production of 93.5 million passenger and commercial vehicles. Some of the strongest growth in production was recorded in UK (17%), Japan (15%), Germany (18%) and China (12%).

The automotive industry is currently undergoing a transformation, with more attention being devoted to electric vehicle production. China has taken a decisive lead in EV production, accounting for nearly 70% of the global production and virtually outproducing every other major nation. With globally automotive production forecasted to rise steadily towards the end of the decade, there will be major growth opportunities for the global spring hinges market.

Growth in Global Passenger Air Travel

Recreational and business passenger air travel exploded globally in the aftermath of the pandemic. Data from the international civil aviation organization (ICAO) has estimated that volume of global air travel surpassed pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023. With a sharp increase in air travel forecasted for the coming years, global airlines have placed a record order for new passenger jets.

The demand is particularly strong from emerging markets like India, where a newly emergent middle class is driving the growth in air travel. Indian airlines like Air India and Indigo together have placed an order for nearly 900 new aircraft worth around US$ 50 billion. A rise in new orders will augment demand for spring hinges from aerospace manufacturers.

Slow Pace of Innovation

One of the major shortcomings of the spring hinges industry has the lack of major innovation. Although there has been a slew of advances in new materials, the basic spring hinge design has hardly changed since its conception. There has not been a serious attempt to re-engineer the spring hinge design by any of the major market players.

The current design has withstood the test of time, however, as modern engineering challenges become more complex, it will create a demand for new design. The slow pace of innovation is hampering the ability of producers to respond to fast-paced changes in the end-user industries, which also constraints potential future market growth.

Segment Analysis

The global spring hinges market is segmented based on material, application and region.

Stainless Steel Supplants Brass As the Preferred Material for Spring Hinges

Due to a growing requirement of strength and reduced weight, especially in automotive applications, stainless steel has become the material of choice for manufacturing spring hinges. Other engineering applications where cost constraints are more prominent, aluminum and zinc alloys are preferred for making hinges.

Although brass has historically been the preferred material, its usage has reduced considerably with the advent of modern materials. Make new applications are actually utilizing plastic in place of metals due to performance improvements and lower costs. However, for most engineering and industrial applications stainless steel will be continued to be used.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific Set for High Growth In the Future

Over the past two decades, Asia-Pacific has decisively emerged as the global hub of automotive production. The latest OICA data indicates that APAC accounts for roughly 56% of the total global automotive production. China, South Korea and Japan have historically been the centers of automotive production, but the industry has diversified towards India, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in recent years.

The transition towards electric vehicles is only solidifying APAC dominance, given the fact that China leads the world in EV production. Even new policies by China’s regional rivals like Japan and India to reduce its grip on the global EV supply chain will further entrench demand for spring hinges in the region. The current trends indicate that Asia-Pacific will continue to account for a large share of the global spring hinges market over the long term.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The pandemic created a tough period for the global spring hinges market. Demand from automotive, aerospace, industrial and household sectors dropped precipitously, pushing the spring hinge industry into a crisis. Since this sector is mostly dominated by small and medium enterprises, there was a massive wave of bankruptcies. The global market was consolidated in favor of a few established players.

The initial period after the pandemic led to an explosion of pent-up demand for spring hinges. The renewed growth in housing construction and automotive production were the primary factors behind the rise in demand. The pandemic aftermath was highly conducive for the growth of the global market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The spring hinges market in Russia was completely disrupted due to the war in Ukraine. Most of the local spring hinges supply was availed from imports or western companies manufacturing in the country. As brands exited the Russian market following the imposition of western sanctions, there was a severe shortfall in supply of hinges, leading many distributors to increase prices on their existing stock.

Many local distributors resorted to Chinese imports to fulfill domestic demand, while domestic producers struggled to raise production due to shortage of spare parts for western-made production machinery. With the Russian government officially allowing parallel imports, the supplies of foreign-made spring hinges were routed through neighboring countries like Kazakhstan, Armenia and Georgia.

Key Developments

  • In April 2024, India’s Ministry of Trade and Commerce instituted a quality control order stating that hinges manufactured or sold in India must conform to BIS standards.
  • In September 2023, Innovative Eyewear Inc., a U.S.-based developer of eyewear technologies filed a patent for new self-adjusting eyewear hinge design for smart glasses.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Marlboro Industries, Inc., JMC Jefco Manufacturing, Inc., Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products, S&D Products , ABH Engineering Inc., Accon Marine, Emtek Products, C.R. Laurence Co., Inc., Hanaya LLC and Assa Abloy.

Market Segmentation

  • By Material
    • Brass
    • Stainless Steel
    • Aluminum
    • Zinc Alloy
    • Plastic
    • Others
  • By Application
    • Automotive
    • Industrial
    • Aerospace & Defense
    • Household, Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Others

Why Purchase the Report?

  • To visualize the global spring hinges market segmentation based on material, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
  • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
  • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of pouch tapes market-level with all segments.
  • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
  • Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global spring hinges market report would provide approximately 54 tables, 49 figures and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

  • Automotive Manufacturing Companies
  • Aerospace Companies
  • Medical Equipment Manufacturers
  • Home Furnishing Companies
  • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
  • Research Professionals