The UK compressor market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +0.7% in volume and +2.2% in value between 2024 and 2035. This upward trend is primarily driven by rising demand for turbo, rotary, and reciprocating displacement compressors across various industrial sectors.
Market Performance and Consumption Trends
In 2024, the UK recorded a significant increase in compressor consumption, reaching 7.8 million units—a 9.7% rise compared to the previous year. This growth contributed to a peak consumption volume of 25 million units since 2021, alongside a market revenue of $931 million, reflecting a 9.1% year-on-year increase. The growing demand signals strong market expansion, although growth momentum is expected to moderate slightly through 2035.
Production Growth and Export Developments
Domestic production of turbo, rotary, and reciprocating displacement compressors surged by 38% in 2024 to 215,000 units, marking a notable recovery after a period of fluctuation since the peak production of 283,000 units in 2016. The value of UK production reached approximately $99 million at export prices, underscoring the sector’s resilient expansion.
Exports, however, saw a decline in volume by 12.3% to 1.6 million units in 2024, breaking a three-year upward trend. Despite this, export revenues edged higher to $969 million, with the United States, Germany, and France constituting the top export destinations, collectively accounting for 41% of total shipments. Notably, exports to the U.S. grew at a CAGR of 13.5% over the past decade, and India showed the fastest export value growth at 24.3%.
Import Patterns and Pricing Insights
UK imports of compressors rose by 4.6% in 2024 to 9.2 million units, driven primarily by a 65% market share from China, which supplied 5.7 million units. The United States and Poland followed as significant suppliers, with 1.2 million and 533,000 units respectively. In value terms, the U.S. led imports with $317 million, followed by Germany ($140 million) and Romania ($89 million).
Average import prices stood at $129 per unit in 2023, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. However, price variations remain substantial among suppliers, with Italy commanding the highest average price at $842 per unit, while China’s average was just $16 per unit.
Outlook
The UK compressor market is poised for steady but moderate growth, supported by continued industrial demand and evolving technological advancements. While domestic production and imports remain strong, export volumes face some volatility. Stakeholders in manufacturing, trade, and investment sectors should monitor these trends closely to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate market challenges through strategic planning.
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