Metal Container Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)
The global demand for Metal Containers is poised to witness a CAGR of 6% between the years 2023 and 2033. Furthermore, the global metal container market analysis report by FMI predicts, the overall valuation could be reaching USD 223.7 billion by the year 2033.
Steel, aluminum, and tin packaging is gaining popularity at every level of the economy, from consumers, and product manufactures to the packaging industry. As the demand for metal storage containers is expected to grow, investments boosting innovations in this sector are also likely to grow.
This, in turn, may give rise to innovative materials, processes, techniques, and designs that meet consumers’ needs and tastes, besides being environmentally friendly. However, substitutes of metal food containers like bio plastics are anticipated to hinder the growth of the market players.
The key reason for this improvement is as metal containers with lids enable hassle-free recyclability, and prevent damage to products during transportation and irregular handling. Despite these prospects, the cost-effectiveness of large metal containers could reflect significant growth prospects for the market in the forecasting years.
| Attributes |
Value |
| Metal Containers Market Size (2022) |
USD 117.7 billion |
| Metal Containers Market Value (2023) |
USD 124.9 billion |
| Projected Metal Containers Market Value (2033) |
USD 223.7 billion |
| Global Metal Containers Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) |
6% CAGR |
| Collective Value Share: Top 5 Metal Containers Companies (2022E) |
12% |
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How The Market Progressed Till June 2022?
| Particulars |
Details |
| H1 2021 |
0.6% |
| H1 2022 Projected |
5.8% |
| H1 2022 Expected |
5.6% |
| BPS Change - H1, 2022 (O) - H1, 2022 (P) |
(-) 20 ↓ |
| BPS Change - H1, 2022 (O) - H1, 2021 |
(+) 500 ↑ |
Future Market Insights predict a comparison and review analysis of the dynamics of the metal storage containers market in the coming years. It is principally subjected to an array of industry factors along with a few definite influences regarding the availability of raw materials.
The market for the metal container surged by 500 basis share points (BPS) in H1-2022 (O) against comparison with H1-2021, according to an FMI report. However, when comparing the H1-2022 projected and H1-2022 outlook period, a decline in BPS change by 20 BPS had been noticed.
Metal Containers Demand Analysis (2015 to 2022) Vs. Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)
As per the previous market survey reports by FMI, the net valuation of the metal containers sold globally in the year 2015 stood at USD 89,884.9 million.
Later during the years between 2015 and 2022 it progressed at an annual average rate of 5.5% and reached a valuation of USD 117,714.4 million by its end.
The COVID-19 crisis created a challenging situation for various industries, including the metal shipping containers market, between March 2020 and September 2021. Demand for metal containers was certainly affected due to the decline in the business of end-use industries such as building & construction, automotive, and chemicals.
However, the large metal container market got back to normalcy in the post-Covid-19 era with the opening of international trade channels. As such, the sales of metal containers are bound to create greater strides in the upcoming period.
The use of metal containers is exceedingly growing in the transportation of liquids such as paints, coatings, lubricants, greases, and dyes. Stainless steel containers are among the suitable packaging solutions for shipping harmful and corrosive fluids. They also play a dual role as an effective warehouse storage option.
Category-wise Insights
Demand for Cans in the Food & Beverage Industry to Boost Growth of Metal Food Containers Market Players
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Food and Beverage Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 50,305 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.9% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Chemical Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 28,129 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7.1% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Automotive Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 7,962 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.8% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 22,617 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.2% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 6,308 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.2% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Building & Construction Industry |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 4,209 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.6% |
| Market Segments by End-use Industry |
Other End Use Industries |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 5,301 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.5% |
Mass commercialization of food & beverages is a prominent driving force behind the demand for metal cans in the food & beverage industry.
Gradually, the awareness regarding unsanitary conditions of packaging facilities and risks of contamination led to an increase in the packaging of F&BS in metal containers. Also, canned food can be nutritionally superior and fresh, which enhances its shelf life, thereby making it ideal for use by food manufacturers.
The chemical industry segment is forecast to witness an increase of 228 basis points of the current market share. This promising opportunity is prominently owing to the growing use of metal containers for the storage and transportation of chemicals.
Chemical industries segment of the market are experiencing higher need for large metal containers owing to the growth backed by the petrochemical industry.
Industrial and architectural solutions are a demanding industry that requires storage and transport containers that can ensure that various chemicals are successfully delivered without affecting the product quality.
Cost Optimization Owing to Containerization Likely to Augment Growth of Metal Containers Market
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Cans |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 41,911 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.8% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Drums |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 10,917 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Aerosol Cans |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 6,333 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.8% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Pails |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 1,168 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.5% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Immediate Bulk Containers |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 63,135 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.9% |
| Market Segments by Product Type |
Other Products |
| Value in 2023 |
USD 1,428 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.5% |
By volume, the cans segment is likely to account for more than 50% of the market share by the end of the year 2030. The steel segment amongst the other material types is estimated to be highly attractive and account for more than 45% of the market share in 2020.
The adoption of metal containers such as drums, pails, and IBCs is a viable solution for logistics companies to ship goods. The other products include drums, cans, aerosol cans, pails, intermediate bulk containers, and likewise.
Further, automation has enabled ease of picking and placing heavy metal containers that are difficult manually. Palletizer and de-palletizer machines enhance warehouse management.
Though the machines require an initial investment, they reap benefits in the long run. Moreover, stackability results in the opportunity for warehouse owners to optimize their storage capabilities.
Country-wise Insights
Strict Regulations over Chemical Industry to Drive the Sales of Metal Containers in the North America
| Regional Markets in America |
United States |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 19,891.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.8% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Canada |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,260.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.9% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Brazil |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,576.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
8.2% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Mexico |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,682.3 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.9% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Argentina |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 875.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.7% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Rest of Latin America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,514.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.3% |
| Regional Markets in America |
North America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 23,151.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.1% |
| Regional Markets in America |
Latin America |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 6,649.3 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.2% |
The United States is a lucrative market due to the growing demand for several soft drinks like sucralose juices along with carbonated soft drinks.
Furthermore, as per the American Coatings Association, around half of the paint and coatings products meet the criteria for hazardous materials. So, the sales and consumption of large metal containers are highly regulated by the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
Europe holds largest market share due to higher production as well as sales of IBCs
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Germany |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 8,707.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
France |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,942.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.5% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Italy |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,257.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.1% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Spain |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,178.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
United Kingdom |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,508.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Benelux |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,960.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.4% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Nordic |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,460.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
2.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Russia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 4,389.4 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.9% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Poland |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,936.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7.8% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Rest of Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,477.8 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
3.5% |
| Regional Markets in Europe |
Europe |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 32,818.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.5% |
The food and beverage industry holds the baton (revenue-wise) by the higher demand for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) in European countries. High consumption of metal cans in advanced European economies is mostly for food & beverage packaging.
Demand for Metal Containers from Diverse Sectors to Drive the Market in the Asia Pacific Region
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
China |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 6,075 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.1% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Japan |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 4,402 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.1% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
South Korea |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,871 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.7% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
India |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 6,328.9 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
8.1% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Thailand |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,902.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
9% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Malaysia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 2,199.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Indonesia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,470.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
9.9% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Australia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,988.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.2% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
New Zealand |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 1,869.5 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.7% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Rest of South Asia & Pacific |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 3,689.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.6% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
East Asia |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 14,347 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.8% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
South Asia & Pacific |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 15,591.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7.9% |
| Regional Markets in Asia Pacific |
Oceania |
| Market Value (2023) |
USD 5,858.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.7% |
The Asia Pacific countries are expected to grow at a higher rate in sales of metal containers during the forecast years. Owing to growing expenses incurred on packaged food and beverages as well as chemical and construction sectors the demand for metal containers is growing continuously.
South Asia is anticipated to witness a significant growth of 2.5 times its value by the end of year 2033. Further, it is likely to create an incremental opportunity of more than 15 billion during the forecast period.
F&B as well as Chemical Industries are developing the Metal Storage Container Market in Middle East and Africa
| Regional Markets in MEA |
GCC Countries |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 3,315.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
8.1% |
| Regional Markets in MEA |
Türkiye |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 1,045 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
7.7% |
| Regional Markets in MEA |
Northern Africa |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 1,018.6 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.8% |
| Regional Markets in MEA |
South Africa |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 908.1 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
5.7% |
| Regional Markets in MEA |
Rest of MEA |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 3,069.2 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
4.4% |
| Regional Markets in MEA |
Middle East & Africa (MEA) |
| Market Value (2022) |
USD 9,356.7 million |
| CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
6.5% |
Middle East & Africa is likely to have a prominent share in the consumption of metal containers for the chemical industry besides the F&B industry. Expansion in the retail industry and improving the economic condition is likely to boost the use of metal containers in the MEA region.
Price Volatility and Alternative Solutions to Remain a Major Challenge for Market Players
The metal container account for 40-45% of the global storage and packaging industries production. Furthermore, the metal food containers market players are focusing on organic as well as inorganic modes of expansion to strengthen their foothold.
- Can-Pack SA, in July 2020, did extend the partnership with Poland-based Specjal to come up with new designs catering to icons of Regional Malt House, Regional brewery, Regional Barley, Regional Printing House, and Regional Barley.
- Ball Corporation, in August 2019, inked an agreement with Envases del Plata SA for selling the tinplate steel aerosol packaging facilities in San Luis and Garin (Argentina).
Unlike plastic containers, metal containers are made of high cost metals such as steel. Since resins for plastic containers can be obtained at reduced cost, manufacturers might resort to plastic containers, which essentially serve the same purpose. Another challenge faced by manufacturers is price escalation of raw materials in recent years.
This, coupled with additional input costs, has a cumulative effect on the pricing of metal containers. The same can be exemplified by hike in prices of steel drums by Greif, Inc.
Metal Containers Industry Report Scope
| Attribute |
Details |
| Forecast Period |
2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for |
2017 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis |
USD million or billion for Value |
| Key Regions Covered |
North America; Latin America; Europe; South Asia; East Asia; Oceania; and the Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered |
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Egypt, North Africa, South Africa, and GCC Countries |
| Key Market Segments Covered |
By Product Type, By Material Type, By End Use Industry, and By Region |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Ball Corporation; Ardagh Group S.A.; CCL Industries Inc.; CPMC Holdings Ltd.; Silgan Holdings Inc.; Grief Inc.; Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd.; Crown Holdings, Inc.; Mauser Packaging Solutions; Nampak Ltd.; Montebello Packaging Inc.; Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd.; HUBER Packaging Group GmbH; NCI Packaging; Great Western Containers Inc. |
| Pricing |
Available upon Request |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries dominate the global metal containers market?
The United States, Japan, and China dominate the global metal containers market.
What is the growth forecast for the metal containers market?
The market is forecast to register a CAGR of 6% through 2033.
How is the historical performance of the metal containers market?
During 2018 to 2022, the market grew at a CAGR of 5.5%.
Which is the top trend in the metal containers market?
Technological advancement is disrupting the current market trends.
What is the projected size of the market by 2033?
The global market size to reach USD 223.7 billion by 2033.
