EMI & RFI Shielding Materials Market (Global, 2024)
Introduction
The EMI/RFI Shielding Materials Market is set to play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of electronic devices and systems, driven by the growing demand for enhanced performance and reliability in a world increasingly dependent on technology. The trend towards the miniaturization and increasing power density of electronic components has led to the emergence of a new set of problems: the increasing susceptibility to EMI and RFI, which has in turn led to the need for effective shielding solutions. The shielding materials market covers a wide range of materials, including conductive coatings, metal shields and special fabrics, all of which are designed to reduce interference and ensure the optimum functioning of the device or system. The growing awareness of the importance of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, automotive and consumer electronics, is also driving the market. Moreover, advances in material science and engineering are leading to the development of new shielding materials that not only improve performance but also offer improved aesthetics and a lower overall cost. The resulting trend towards the miniaturization of electronic components, combined with the growing importance of interference management in an increasingly connected world, is set to lead to the expansion of the EMI/RFI Shielding Materials Market.
PESTLE Analysis
- Political
- By 2024, the EMI/RFI shielding materials market will be influenced by a number of political factors, including government regulations on the emissions of radio waves. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has set strict guidelines for the emission of radio waves from electrical appliances. This has resulted in an increased demand for effective shielding materials. Also, the European Union’s REACH regulation requires that all products must not contain harmful substances, which will affect the procurement and production of shielding materials.
- Economic
- In 2024, the economic outlook is for a rapid expansion of the technical industries. The world’s annual expenditure on electronics is expected to be $2.5 trillion. In turn, this will lead to a higher demand for shielding materials. In compliance with international standards, manufacturers will need shielding materials to ensure the safety of their products. In addition, the average cost of raw materials, such as conductive polymers and metals, will have risen by around 15 per cent due to disruptions in the supply chain. This will affect the cost of production.
- Social
- In 2024, the awareness of the population of the health risks of radio waves and their effects on the environment has increased considerably. Surveys show that 68% of consumers are worried about the effects of their devices on their health. The manufacturers have therefore put the shielding of radio waves and interference in their products in first place. The shift in buying behavior has made companies invest in better shielding. 45% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for devices with better protection against radio waves.
- Technological
- The market for EMI / RFI shielding materials will be shaped by the rapid technological developments in 2024. Nanotechnology has led to the development of new materials with excellent shielding effectiveness, some of which have attenuation of more than 100 dB. Smart materials that can adapt to different radio environments are also gaining in importance. It is estimated that about 30 percent of new shielding products will contain these smart materials, which will further improve the performance and applicability of the products.
- Legal
- Legal considerations become more important in 2024, as the international standards of the time become more strict. The International Electrotechnical Commission has revised the rules for ensuring that devices are compatible with each other. The manufacturers are obliged to conform to the new testing standards. There are fines for non-compliance, up to five hundred thousand dollars. This makes it essential for manufacturers to invest in quality control and testing, to ensure that their products conform to the standards.
- Environmental
- In the year 2024, the EMI and RFI shielding materials market will be more and more concerned about the environment. The world-wide trend towards a sustainable economy will result in a 25 percent increase in demand for shielding materials that are eco-friendly, made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Also, the rules on waste management are getting stricter. The European Union's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive imposes a strict target of at least 65 percent of all e-waste to be recycled. And that has led to manufacturers innovating to find shielding materials that are in line with the new regulations.
Porter's Five Forces
- Threat of New Entrants
- The EMI / RFI Shielding Materials Market has a medium barrier to entry, mainly due to the need for specialized knowledge and technology. Despite the market's growth, the market is dominated by established players who have strong brand loyalty and distribution networks, which makes it difficult for new entrants to enter the market. However, with the continuous development of technology and materials, the barriers to entry will gradually decrease.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- The bargaining power of the suppliers in this market is relatively low, because there are many suppliers of the raw materials used in the EMI and RFI shielding. The ubiquity of the materials makes it easy for the manufacturer to change suppliers and reduces the influence of a single supplier on the price and the conditions.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- The EMI and RFI shielding material market is characterized by high buyer power, which is attributed to the availability of many products and suppliers. Customers can compare and demand a better price and a better quality of the products. Consequently, the manufacturers are forced to keep the prices low.
- Threat of Substitutes
- The threat of substitutes is moderate, because there are materials and technical methods that can produce similar shielding effects. However, the special requirements of certain applications may limit the effectiveness of substitutes, which will stabilize the demand for specialized EMC and RFI shielding materials.
- Competitive Rivalry
- Competition in the EMI & RFI Shielding Materials Market is high, with a number of established players competing for market share. The increasing demand for EMI & RFI shielding materials, owing to the growing use of electronic devices, has prompted the companies to introduce new products with improved features and quality.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- High demand for EMI & RFI shielding materials in electronics and telecommunications sectors.
- Technological advancements leading to improved material performance and effectiveness.
- Strong regulatory support for reducing electromagnetic interference in various industries.
Weaknesses
- High production costs associated with advanced shielding materials.
- Limited awareness and understanding of EMI & RFI shielding among smaller manufacturers.
- Dependence on a few key suppliers for raw materials, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
Opportunities
- Growing market for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems requiring effective shielding solutions.
- Expansion into emerging markets with increasing electronic device usage.
- Potential for innovation in biodegradable and eco-friendly shielding materials.
Threats
- Intense competition from alternative materials and technologies.
- Economic fluctuations impacting manufacturing and consumer spending.
- Rapid technological changes that may render existing products obsolete.
Summary
The EMI and RFI Shielding Materials Market in 2024 is characterized by strong demand driven by technological developments and government support, although it is faced with challenges such as high production costs and supply chain inefficiencies. Opportunities exist in the emergence of new markets and in the development of new materials. Competition and economic fluctuations are expected to impact on growth. Strategically, innovation and expansion are important for market players.