South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Product, Method, Application, and Region, 2026-2034

South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market Overview:

The South Korea carbon nanotubes market size reached USD 144.4 Million in 2025. The market is projected to reach USD 500.23 Million by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 14.80% during 2026-2034. The market is driven by government support for electric vehicle battery materials and energy storage solutions, expansion of domestic carbon nanotube manufacturing capacity for battery applications, and integration of carbon nanotubes in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, South Korea's strategic focus on nanotechnology innovation, combined with the country's position as a global leader in battery and electronics manufacturing, is expanding the South Korea carbon nanotubes market share.

South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market Trends:

Government Support for Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Materials and Energy Storage Solutions

The South Korean government is widely encouraging electric vehicle adoption and battery technology development through substantial subsidies and investments in infrastructure, thereby rewriting the dynamics of the carbon nanotubes market. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced plans to invest 1.5 trillion won (approximately $1.02 billion) in 2025 to rev up domestic demand for electric vehicles. It will address slow sales due to safety concerns and a lack of charging options, thereby encouraging greater consumer adoption of green vehicles. These policies have driven demand for superior battery materials, including carbon nanotubes, which are critical in enhancing the performance, energy density, and conductivity of lithium-ion batteries. This is an indication that, for now, the key drivers of demand for carbon nanotubes will be applications in structural polymers, followed by coatings. The government takes an all-inclusive approach, well beyond financial incentives; in fact, it covers research and development investments, technology transfers, and industry partnerships aimed at enhancing market competitiveness with the view to promoting innovation in CNT technologies. Strategic market support focuses on applications within the electronics, aerospace, and automotive sectors, where carbon nanotubes offer critical property advantages. Other key government regulations govern the manufacturing, import, and use of carbon nanotubes, ensuring the safety, reliability, and environmental compatibility of the product, thus offering a more organized market framework.

Integration of Carbon Nanotubes in Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing

South Korea's electronics and semiconductor industries, led by global giants Samsung and LG, are increasingly adopting carbon nanotubes for advanced applications that require exceptional material performance at the nanoscale. CNTs are being utilized in semiconductors, flexible displays, sensors, transistors, and other electronic components due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and nanoscale dimensions that enable unprecedented device miniaturization. The demand for miniaturized, high-performance electronic devices and the advancement of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G telecommunications, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence are driving CNT adoption across the electronics sector. South Korea's electronics manufacturing sector, which includes consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and semiconductor production, is experiencing robust growth, with major manufacturers continuously seeking materials that can deliver superior performance while enabling smaller form factors. The country's strong technological infrastructure, world-class research institutions, and emphasis on innovation in advanced materials for electronics further support market growth in this segment. Carbon nanotubes offer unique advantages in applications such as transparent conductive films for touchscreens and displays, electromagnetic interference shielding, thermal management materials for high-power electronics, and next-generation transistors that could eventually replace silicon-based components.

Expansion of Domestic Carbon Nanotube Manufacturing Capacity for Battery Applications

South Korean manufacturers are significantly expanding their carbon nanotube production capacity to meet the heightened demand from the EV battery sector, positioning the country as a critical player in the global carbon nanotube supply chain. Carbon nanotubes serve as critical conductive additives in battery electrodes, enhancing electrical conductivity, energy density, and charge-discharge performance, making them indispensable for next-generation battery technologies. The domestic production expansion supports South Korea's strategic goal of maintaining competitiveness in the global battery supply chain while reducing dependence on imports other regions. Major chemical and materials companies are investing heavily in new production facilities and utilizing advanced synthesis technologies such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) to achieve economies of scale and improve product quality. The expansion initiatives also reflect the growing recognition among South Korean manufacturers that securing domestic carbon nanotube supply is essential for maintaining their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. In May 2023, LG Chem revealed the establishment of its fourth carbon nanotube (CNT) production site in Daesan, South Korea, with operations expected to begin in 2025. This expansion is anticipated to double LG Chem's yearly CNT production capacity to 6,100 tons, further bolstering its product lineup and improving its position in the global nanomaterials market for electric vehicle battery uses. The facility represents one of the largest carbon nanotube production investments in the region and demonstrates the South Korea carbon nanotubes market growth trajectory driven by the electric vehicle revolution.

South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2026-2034. Our report has categorized the market based on product, method, and application.

Product Insights:

• Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT)
• Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT)

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT).

Method Insights:

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
• Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD)
• High-pressure Carbon Monoxide Reaction
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the method have also been provided in the report. This includes chemical vapor deposition (CVD), catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD), high-pressure carbon monoxide reaction, and others.

Application Insights:

• Polymers
• Electrical and Electronics
• Energy
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes polymers, electrical and electronics, energy, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Seoul Capital Area
• Yeongnam (Southeastern Region)
• Honam (Southwestern Region)
• Hoseo (Central Region)
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Seoul Capital Area, Yeongnam (Southeastern Region), Honam (Southwestern Region), Hoseo (Central Region), and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market News:

• September 2025: Implantable microelectrodes capable of safely recording brain activity are essential in neuroscience technologies. A recent study by researchers in South Korea has created a new type of hybrid microelectrode arrays made from polymer-carbon nanotubes (CNT), merging excellent electrical conductivity with mechanical flexibility. These sophisticated electrodes facilitate secure recording of brain signals while minimizing inflammation and harm to brain tissue, setting the stage for safer and more intelligent brain-computer interfaces.

South Korea Carbon Nanotubes Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Korea carbon nanotubes market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market on the basis of product?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market on the basis of method?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market on the basis of application?
• What is the breakup of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Korea carbon nanotubes market?
• What is the structure of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Korea carbon nanotubes market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Korea carbon nanotubes market from 2020-2034.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Korea carbon nanotubes market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Korea carbon nanotubes industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.