Carbon Fiber Composites in Aerospace Market Report 2026

The carbon fiber composites in aerospace market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.91 billion in 2025 to $3.16 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to adoption of carbon fiber reinforced polymer panels for lightweight aircraft structures, development of carbon fiber tow and prepregs for advanced manufacturing, rising use of composite structural components to enhance durability, integration of carbon fiber composite engine parts for performance improvement, implementation of interior aerospace components made from carbon fiber composites.

The carbon fiber composites in aerospace market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.37 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber composites in next-generation aircraft, expansion of carbon fiber composite applications in engine and propulsion systems, rising adoption of automated and additive manufacturing techniques for composite parts, focus on corrosion-resistant and fatigue-tolerant aerospace components, increasing procurement for commercial, military, and space aerospace programs. Major trends in the forecast period include rising shift toward lightweight aircraft structures, increased adoption of high-temperature composites for aerospace engines, growing demand for corrosion-resistant materials in space applications, expansion of composite use in next-generation uav platforms, improved fatigue performance requirements for advanced aerospace designs.

The growing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft is expected to drive the growth of carbon fiber composites in the aerospace market. Fuel-efficient aircraft are designed to consume less fuel per unit of distance or passenger, achieved through advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and efficient engines. This demand is fueled by increasing environmental concerns, prompting airlines to reduce carbon emissions and comply with stricter international regulations. Carbon fiber composites enhance fuel efficiency by lowering aircraft weight while maintaining strength and durability, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. For example, in September 2025, the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that U.S. scheduled service airlines used 1.76 billion gallons of fuel in July 2025, a 4.3% increase from June 2025 (1.688 billion gallons) and a 1.6% increase compared to July 2024 (1.734 billion gallons). Consequently, rising demand for fuel-efficient aircraft is boosting the use of carbon fiber composites in aerospace.

Major companies operating in the carbon fiber composites in the aerospace market are focusing on developing innovative products such as high-performance intermediate modulus (IM) carbon fibers to enhance strength and reduce weight. High-performance intermediate modulus (IM) carbon fibers are lightweight, strong fibers with a balanced stiffness and tensile strength, optimized for aerospace applications requiring improved durability and weight reduction. For instance, in March 2024, Hexcel Corporation, a US-based aerospace and defense company, introduced the HexTow IM9 24K carbon fiber. This advanced composite material, featuring 24,000 filaments, delivers an average tensile strength exceeding 6,300 MPa, a modulus of 298 GPa, and a strain of 1.9%, significantly surpassing previous standards such as IM7. Designed for high-rate manufacturing and demanding aerospace applications, the IM9 24K provides a 12% boost in tensile strength and supports enhanced productivity through its larger tow size.

In November 2024, SK Capital Partners, LP, a US-based capital market company, acquired Parker Hannifin Corporation's business as Axillon Aerospace for $2.95 billion. With this acquisition, SK Capital intends to position Axillon Aerospace as a leading provider of advanced composite and fuel containment solutions tailored for the defense and commercial aerospace markets. Axillon Aerospace, a US-based aerospace and defense company, specializes in delivering carbon fiber composites and fuel containment technologies for the aerospace sector.

Major companies operating in the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market are Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Toray Industries Inc., Solvay S.A., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Formosa Plastics Corporation, TEIJIN LIMITED, Hexcel Corporation, SGL Carbon, Zoltek Companies Inc., BGF Industries Inc, Bally Ribbon Mills, A&P Technology Inc., FDC Composites Inc., Hyosung Advanced Materials, Clearwater Composites LLC, Kineco Limited, DowAksa, Creedx Composites, Epsilon Composite, Jiangsu Hengshen Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on imported carbon fiber, precursor materials, and aerospace-grade composite resins have increased production costs for aircraft and spacecraft components, particularly impacting North America and Europe. Applications involving structural panels, engine composites, and UAV components face the greatest cost pressure. However, tariffs also promote regional composite production and encourage domestic supply chain investment, which can strengthen long-term material availability.

The carbon fiber composites in aerospace market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides carbon fiber composites in aerospace market statistics, including the carbon fiber composites in the aerospace industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market share, detailed carbon fiber composites in aerospace market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market. This carbon fiber composites in aerospace market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Carbon fiber composites in aerospace refer to advanced materials formed by embedding carbon fibers within a resin matrix, resulting in a composite that is both lightweight and strong. These materials are extensively utilized in the aerospace sector due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and long-lasting durability. Their use contributes to improved fuel efficiency, better structural integrity, and enhanced safety across various aircraft systems.

The primary types of carbon fiber composites in aerospace include polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and metal matrix composites. Polymer matrix composites are created by combining a polymer resin with reinforcing fibers, which enhances their strength, stiffness, and durability. These composites are produced using methods such as hand lay-up, spray-up, resin transfer molding (RTM), and filament winding. They are commonly found in aircraft structures, aerospace components, and spacecraft, serving a wide range of end users including commercial aviation, military aviation, space exploration, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The countries covered in the carbon fiber composites in aerospace market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The carbon fiber composites in aerospace market consist of sales of carbon fiber reinforced polymer panels, carbon fiber tow and prepregs, composite structural components, carbon fiber composite engine parts, and interior aerospace components. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.