Japan Marine Composites Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Volume (2025) | 34.53 metric tons |
| Market Volume (2030) | 50.28 metric tons |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 7.80% |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Japan Marine Composites Market Analysis
The Japan Marine Composites Market size is estimated at 34.53 metric tons in 2025, and is expected to reach 50.28 metric tons by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.80% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The COVID-19 pandemic majorly affected the country, resulting in severe lockdowns. The pandemic led to disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the availability of raw materials, such as resins, fibers, and other components used in marine composites. However, after the initial disruptions caused by the pandemic, the marine composites industry began to see a steady return to regular production. Factories and shipyards that had temporarily shut down during the lockdowns resumed full operations, boosting output and fulfilling backlogged orders.
- Over the medium term, rising demand for lightweight and high-performance materials and growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials are expected to fuel the growth of the market.
- On the flip side, the high material cost is expected to hinder the growth of the market.
- Nevertheless, growth in the recreational boating industry and technological advancements in composite manufacturing are expected to act as an opportunity in the future.
- Powerboats segment is expected to dominate the market in the upcoming period.
Japan Marine Composites Market Trends
Polyester Resins to Dominate the Market
- Polyester resin holds a significant position in Japan's marine composites market due to its advantageous properties and suitability for marine applications.
- One of the primary factors driving the adoption of polyester resins is their ease of processing compared to high-performance resins like epoxy. This characteristic enables faster production times, which is critical for the marine industry, where efficiency in manufacturing processes is highly valued.
- Additionally, polyester resins are a cost-effective option, making them well-suited for use with fiberglass and other composite materials. Their water and chemical resistance further enhances their applicability in marine environments, ensuring durability and reliability.
- According to the data published by METI (Japan) in June 2024, the production volume of polyester filament fibers in Japan was 84.48 thousand tons in 2023.
- The versatility of polyester resins allows their use in a wide range of applications, from small boats to larger yachts. This adaptability has significantly contributed to their widespread adoption across various segments of the Japanese marine industry, including boat building, repair, and maintenance.
- Furthermore, the growing demand for smaller recreational boats in Japan, driven by increasing tourism and leisure activities, has bolstered the use of polyester resins. Their affordability and effectiveness for smaller vessels align with this market trend, reinforcing their dominance in the sector.
- In 2023, the sea freight volume of Japan's foreign trade amounted to approximately 799.76 million metric tons, according to the data released by MLTI (Japan) in July 2024.
- Considering these factors, polyester resin is expected to maintain its leading position in Japan's marine composites market in the coming years.
Power Boats to Dominate the Market
- The power boats segment holds a significant position in Japan's marine composites market, primarily driving the demand for composite materials such as polyester and epoxy resins.
- Power boats remain one of the most popular recreational vessel types in Japan, capturing a substantial share of the marine composite materials market.
- The recreational boating sector, which includes power boats, yachts, and small vessels, serves as a key contributor to the growing demand for marine composites.
- Power boats are predominantly constructed using lightweight, durable, and strong materials like fiberglass reinforced with polyester or epoxy resins, which enhance their performance and extend their lifespan.
- In 2023, motorboat shipments in Japan were valued at approximately JPY 19.15 billion (USD 0.136 billion), reflecting an increase from JPY 19.02 billion (USD 0.135 billion) in 2022, according to data released by the Japan Marine Industry Association in June 2024.
- Additionally, the watercraft manufacturing industry in Japan shipped marine engines worth around JPY 393.4 billion (USD 2.806 billion) in 2023, as reported by the Japan Marine Industry Association and MLIT.
- Furthermore, data from the Foundation of Japan Motor Boat Racing Association, released in January 2025, indicates that boat race betting in Japan generated net sales of approximately JPY 2.52 trillion (USD 0.017 trillion) in 2024.
- These factors collectively indicate that the demand for power boats is expected to drive the growth of Japan's marine composites market during the forecast period.
Japan Marine Composites Industry Overview
The Japan Marine Composites Market is consolidated in nature. Some of the major players (not in any particular order) include SGL Carbon, Toray Advanced Composites, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc., Gurit Services AG, and Hexcel Corporation among others.
Japan Marine Composites Market Leaders
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SGL Carbon
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Hexcel Corporation
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Gurit Services AG
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Toray Advanced Composites
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Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Japan Marine Composites Market News
- April 2024: Eco Marine Power and Nakashima Propeller have teamed up to explore the use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) for ship structures and other maritime applications. This collaboration is part of the ongoing Aquarius Eco Ship Project.
- July 2023: Toray, in collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and Tosoh Corporation, has set up a Chemicals Working Group under the auspices of the Physical Society of Japan. This endeavor seeks to promote collaboration and spur innovation in chemical research, with implications for a range of applications, notably marine composites.
Japan Marine Composites Industry Segmentation
Marine composites refer to advanced materials made from two or more distinct substances that are combined to enhance specific properties such as strength, lightweight, durability, and corrosion resistance in the demanding marine environment. These composites are typically used in the construction of various marine vessels, infrastructure, and offshore structures.
The Japan marine composites market is segmented by composite type, fiber type, resin type, and vessel type. By composite type, the market is segmented into metal matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. By fiber type, the market is segmented into glass, carbon, aramid, natural, and others. By resin type, the market is segmented into epoxy, vinyl ester, phenolic, polyester, and others (acrylic, thermoplastic). By vessel type, the market is segmented into power boats, sailboats, cruise, ships, and other vessel types (cargo vessels, jet boats). The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the Japan Marine Composites Market. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of volume (tons).
| Composite Type | Metal Matrix Composites |
| Polymer Matrix Composites | |
| Ceramic Matrix Composites | |
| Fiber Type | Glass |
| Carbon | |
| Aramid | |
| Natural | |
| Others | |
| Resin Type | Epoxy |
| Vinyl Ester | |
| Phenolic | |
| Polyester | |
| Others | |
| Vessel Type | Power Boats |
| Sailboats | |
| Cruise | |
| Ships | |
| Others |
Japan Marine Composites Market Research FAQs
How big is the Japan Marine Composites Market?
The Japan Marine Composites Market size is expected to reach 34.53 metric tons in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 7.80% to reach 50.28 metric tons by 2030.
What is the current Japan Marine Composites Market size?
In 2025, the Japan Marine Composites Market size is expected to reach 34.53 metric tons.
Who are the key players in Japan Marine Composites Market?
SGL Carbon, Hexcel Corporation, Gurit Services AG, Toray Advanced Composites and Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc. are the major companies operating in the Japan Marine Composites Market.
What years does this Japan Marine Composites Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Japan Marine Composites Market size was estimated at 31.84 metric tons. The report covers the Japan Marine Composites Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Japan Marine Composites Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Japan Marine Composites Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Japan Marine Composites market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. Japan Marine Composites analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
