01Overview of Stepper Motor Development in the Chinese MarketStepper motors, with their high precision and reliability, have been widely applied in industrial and medical equipment, office automation, and military fields. There are three types of stepper motors in this sector—Variable Reluctance (VR), Permanent Magnet (PM), and Hybrid Stepper Motors. Among them, hybrid stepper motors, which integrate the advantages of the first two types, have become the mainstream choice in the market. These motors excel in maintaining torque, speed, and step resolution, and their precision has been further improved thanks to the adoption of half-step and micro-step technologies.

► Hybrid Stepper Motor Market TrendsAccording to data from Beijing QY Research, the global market size of hybrid stepper motors is expected to grow from USD 940 million in 2019 to USD 1.32 billion in 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5%. In a report by Global Sources Electronic Components, two-phase hybrid stepper motors are favored for their high cost-performance ratio. However, with technological advancements, the R&D of three-phase and five-phase units has been put on the agenda, and they are expected to replace two-phase and four-phase units (which have relatively higher noise and vibration) in the next few years.

► Technological Innovation by Chinese ManufacturersAs an important player in China’s BLDC automotive industry, Shenzhen Hamburg has launched a five-phase hybrid stepper motor with a step angle of 0.72 degrees and a precision of up to ±0.04 degrees. This 42mm unit not only boasts excellent high-speed and torque performance but also features low vibration, low noise, and superior temperature control.In addition, to respond to market changes and meet customer demands, Chinese manufacturers are actively developing compact stepper motors. They have launched units of various sizes such as 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, and 39mm to adapt to the needs of different application scenarios.

► Key Consumer Segments and Market ExpectationsLooking ahead, growth in sectors such as medical care, security, automotive, 3D printers, and 5G base stations will become the main driving forces for the development of the stepper motor manufacturing industry. Demand for stepper motors in these sectors will remain strong, bringing broad market prospects for manufacturers. According to Zhiyan Consulting, the global medical device market will reach USD 529.8 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Qianzhan Industry Research Institute points out that global investment in 3D printers has exceeded USD 22 billion, of which China’s investment accounts for as much as USD 6.19 billion. It is expected that China’s 3D printer market will reach USD 4.76 billion by 2021, a year-on-year increase of 34.7% from 2020.For China, this means that stepper motor sales will continue to climb. It is projected that China’s stepper motor sales will grow by 7% to 13% from 2021 to 2022. Based on this optimistic outlook, many Chinese stepper motor suppliers plan to increase production by 5% to 10% in the coming months and expect export volumes to grow as well. Currently, overseas shipments account for 30% to 80% of China’s stepper motor output.

► Competitive Landscape in the Chinese MarketThe stepper motor manufacturing sector in China is highly competitive, but the market is mainly dominated by several large enterprises such as Wolong, Guangyang, and Yueliang. These enterprises provide high-end products, while numerous small and medium-sized enterprises focus on entry-level and mid-range products. In addition, several internationally renowned groups, such as Mitsubishi, Yakawa, Panasonic, ABB, Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, and Delta, also hold a foothold in the Chinese market.The main production bases of these enterprises are concentrated in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Zhongshan in Guangdong Province; Ningbo in Zhejiang Province; Suzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu Province; and Dalian in Liaoning Province, among other regions. Currently, VR stepper motors still dominate the Chinese market, but PM and hybrid stepper motors are gradually gaining traction.