Industry Market Status
North American Investment Casting Performance and Outlook
By Tim Sullivan, Executive Director, and Merrin Muxlow, Partnerships and Marketing Director, Investment Casting Institute Executive Summary
T
he North American investment casting market enters 2025 with momentum. Production rose across nearly all end-use sectors in 2024, and most foundries are reporting production
gains across key sectors
including aerospace, industrial gas turbines (IGT), automotive, and general industry. That said, the picture isn’t without While macroeconomic
complexity.
uncertainty, persistent supply chain friction, and a gradually improving labor pool continue to present operational challenges, the overall picture is one of expansion.
Aerospace remains the industry’s
anchor—accounting for 60% to 70% of total market volume—while IGT and automotive continue to evolve with technology and policy shifts. Defense casting demand is strong, boosted by foreign military sales and increased national spending.
Aerospace and Defense Aerospace & Defense continues to be the dominant segment, accounting for an estimated 60% to 70% of the total market.
Aircraft production
growth continues to fuel demand for precision components. Overall activity in aerospace-related castings increased nearly 25% in 2024. Passenger traffic metrics confirm a strong rebound: Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs) rose 4.7% in 2024 despite higher ticket prices and cost-of-living increases. While RPM CAGR from 2012–2024 sat at 17.5%, that pace is expected to cool to a more sustainable 4.7% through 2026.
Airlines are 24 ❘ April 2025 ®
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