The Steel Drum Industry Analysis in Southeast Asia is estimated to be valued at USD 485.0 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 954.0 million by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% over the forecast period.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Steel Drum Industry Analysis in Southeast Asia Estimated Value in (2025 E) | USD 485.0 million |
| Steel Drum Industry Analysis in Southeast Asia Forecast Value in (2035 F) | USD 954.0 million |
| Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.0% |
The steel drum industry in Southeast Asia is expanding steadily, supported by rising demand for secure bulk packaging across chemicals, petroleum, lubricants, and food-grade products. Current market conditions are being shaped by the rapid growth of industrial trade, increased cross-border logistics, and regulatory emphasis on safe transport of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
Standardization in drum specifications has improved compatibility across global supply chains, enhancing adoption among exporters. Market participants are focusing on strengthening manufacturing capacity, integrating automation in drum production, and improving coating technologies to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.
The future outlook is strongly tied to industrialization in emerging economies within the region, where rising exports and infrastructure development are expected to fuel demand Growth rationale is centered on the cost-effectiveness, reusability, and recyclability of steel drums, alongside regulatory compliance requirements that mandate safe storage and transportation, collectively ensuring sustained adoption and consistent revenue expansion across Southeast Asia.
The 55 gallons steel drums segment, holding 63.4% of the capacity category, dominates as the standard size preferred for international logistics and bulk material handling. Its leading share is being maintained by consistent demand across industries requiring reliable and standardized packaging solutions.
The segment’s growth has been reinforced by compatibility with established handling equipment and regulatory compliance for hazardous materials. Manufacturers are focusing on optimizing production efficiency and reducing per-unit costs, further enhancing its competitiveness.
Its universal acceptance in cross-border trade has ensured steady demand, while recyclability and refurbishment practices have supported sustainability goals Future expansion is anticipated as globalized supply chains continue to depend on 55-gallon formats, ensuring its entrenched role in the regional steel drum industry.
The carbon steel segment, accounting for 71.2% of the material category, has remained dominant due to its high strength, cost-efficiency, and suitability for handling chemicals, oils, and industrial liquids. Its share has been supported by consistent availability of raw materials and the adaptability of carbon steel to protective coatings and linings that extend shelf life.
Market leadership is reinforced by its ability to withstand mechanical stress during transportation and storage, making it the preferred material for export-oriented industries. Investment in advanced manufacturing processes and quality assurance systems has improved product reliability and compliance with international standards.
Growing demand from chemical and petroleum exporters is expected to sustain carbon steel’s leadership, ensuring its continued role as the backbone of steel drum production in Southeast Asia.
The tight head segment, representing 58.6% of the head type category, has achieved prominence due to its superior sealing properties and suitability for transporting liquids and volatile substances. Its strong market presence is being supported by regulatory requirements for leak-proof packaging in hazardous and sensitive material transportation.
Adoption has been reinforced by industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, and food-grade liquids, where product safety and integrity are paramount. Manufacturing innovations, including improved welding techniques and gasket materials, have further strengthened segment reliability.
Demand resilience has been ensured by the ability of tight head drums to meet international safety certifications, making them highly suitable for exports With continued growth in cross-border liquid trade and stricter compliance requirements, the tight head segment is expected to maintain its leading position in the regional steel drum industry.
The Southeast Asia steel drum business is expected to experience a lucrative growth outlook during the forecast period. The latest estimation predicts that there will be a significant increase in sales from 2025 to 2035. It is projected to cultivate additional openings of USD 439.2 million while expanding 2.0 times the current value during the forecast period.
Steel drums boast several advantages in terms of durability and longevity, owing to which it is considered a highly sustainable as well as cost-effective solution, favoring consumers and the environment.
Additionally, as environmental concerns continue to rise, businesses and consumers are increasingly seeking packaging solutions that are eco-friendly and help minimize their carbon footprint.
Key manufacturers in the region, such as Sicagen, Grief Inc., and Mauser Packaging Solutions, have also been actively investing in sustainable manufacturing practices such as wastewater management and recyclability to uphold their circular economy goals.
Several steel drum manufacturers in Southeast Asia have integrated drum reconditioning services into their portfolio to support the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.
Steel drums are expected to gain immense popularity due to their high versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They are projected to find applications across several sectors as the demand for reliable storage and transportation solutions rises.
Their exceptional strength makes them suitable for storing a wide range of materials, including chemicals, petroleum products, as well as food and beverages.
In recent times, the chemical and petroleum businesses have showcased rapid growth across several countries in Southeast Asia. For instance, according to Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the country’s chemical sector is estimated to rise by over 30% in the next seven years.
The Government of Vietnam also launched an industrial development strategy in 2025. It will help the local petrochemical sector to expand by around 10% every year till 2040. Such initiatives are further poised to propel the steel drum business across Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Southeast Asia’s steel drum business is an important segment of the region's well-established packaging sector. The business serves a wide range of sectors, including chemical, pharmaceutical, construction, food and beverage, and manufacturing.
The business is set to be affected by the region's growing industrialization, which is projected to increase the need for reliable and safe packaging solutions.
The construction sector, particularly in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, is witnessing a high demand for steel drums for the storage and transportation of construction materials.
Steel drums are anticipated to be used in a variety of sectors, including chemical, petroleum, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and more.
They are set to be chosen based on their robustness, longevity, and capacity to handle hazardous contaminants. As steel barrels are more environmentally friendly and recyclable than plastic ones, they are set to gain high popularity.
To increase the effectiveness and quality of steel drum production, manufacturers are making investments in cutting-edge production technology. Stricter laws governing the transfer of hazardous goods are further driving the demand for steel barrels.
The Southeast Asia steel drum business exhibited a CAGR of 4.6% during the historical period from 2020 to 2025. It reached a value of USD 485 million in 2025 from USD 345.8 million in 2020.
| Historical CAGR (2020 to 2025) | 4.6% |
|---|---|
| Historical Value (2025) | USD 485 million |
The demand for steel drums in Southeast Asia steadily increased due to the region's expanding industrial sector. The rise in manufacturing activities, along with the need for efficient storage and transportation solutions, has further facilitated this growth.
Another factor that helped the sales to rise is the presence of stringent regulations associated with the safe storage and transportation of hazardous materials. Steel drums have been preferred over other alternatives due to their ability to meet the required safety standards.
The business has been influenced by the need for sustainable packaging solutions and the increased awareness of environmental problems. As they are strong and recyclable, steel barrels are becoming immensely popular among businesses trying to lessen their environmental effect.
Manufacturers can now satisfy clients’ needs with greater product quality, efficiency, and customization possibilities thanks to technological advancements in steel drum production.
It has been noted that certain manufacturers are being acquired by larger players in the business. Competition has grown as a result of this consolidation, and product offers can get better.
Over time, consumer tastes have changed. For instance, several businesses now choose alternative packaging materials for certain uses, such as plastic drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
The Southeast Asian steel drum business has been impacted by global economic situations such as trade disputes, exchange rate volatility, and economic downturns. The availability of raw materials and components required for the manufacturing of steel drums has been impacted by supply chain interruptions, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 epidemic.
The table presents the expected CAGRs for Southeast Asia steel drum space over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2025 to 2035, the field is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 7.7%.
It is set to be followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 7.4% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to drop slightly to 7.2% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 7.0% in the second half.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 7.7% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 7.4% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 7.2% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 7.0% |
| Attributes | Key Factors |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Trends |
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| Growth Hindrances |
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| Upcoming Opportunities |
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The table below highlights the demand for steel drums in Southeast Asia by capacity and material type. Under material type, the carbon steel segment will likely remain dominant in the assessment period.
The carbon steel segment is set to showcase a significant CAGR of 7.2% through 2035 in the field of steel drums in Southeast Asia. The 55-gallon steel drums capacity segment is projected to surge at a CAGR of 7.4%.
| Segment | Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (Material Type) | 7.2% |
| 55 Gallon (Capacity) | 7.4% |
Based on the capacity, the standard 55-gallon drum size is anticipated to hold over 4/5th of the share by 2025. Moreover, it is poised to gain a significant share and consequently account for about 90% by 2035.
Stringent business standards necessitate the use of common steel drums for industrial usage, which is the UN-rated 55-gallon steel drum. These drums are set to be utilized by all large-scale sectors for the storage and transportation of a wide variety of goods.
It is considered the primary steel drum that most manufacturers keep in stock, thereby ensuring constant availability. This ready availability ensures a stable supply even in Southeast Asia. This would enable businesses to minimize lead times for procurement, thereby making it a widespread choice.
The carbon steel segment is estimated to dominate the ecosystem with a share of about 90%. It is further expected to develop supplementary avenues of USD 348.6 million during the forecast period.
The cost-effective nature of carbon steel would make it the primary choice for steel drum manufacturers across Southeast Asia. Moreover, the falling prices of hot-rolled carbon steel sheets are further aiding in the segment’s growth.
The carbon steel segment is expected to remain the predominant choice throughout 2035. However, the stainless steel segment is poised to steadily gain a significant share in the evaluation period. This is owing to the rapid growth of the chemical petrochemical. And pharmaceutical sectors in the region.
Pharmaceutical sales across Southeast Asia are expected to increase by around 50% in the next five years. This is projected to be driven by the flourishing biopharmaceutical sector and increasing government support across countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.
Key manufacturers of steel drums in Southeast Asia are trying to focus on increasing their production capacity to meet the surging demand from regional customers. They are expanding their product portfolio to cater to a wide variety of end users. The Southeast Asia steel drum ecosystem is highly competitive, with several key players dominating the field.
Prominent companies in this business include Mauser Packaging Solutions, Greif Inc., Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited, Time Technoplast Ltd., Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA., and PT Rhem Indonesia, Tbk. In recent times, leading manufacturers have been exploring the use of not only sustainable materials but also production methods. They are also focusing on expansion in order to increase production capabilities.
For instance,
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Revenue (2025) | USD 485.0 million |
| Projected Southeast Asia Steel Drum Business Revenue (2035) | USD 954.0 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.0% |
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Historical Data | 2020 to 2025 |
| Business Analysis | Value (USD million) and Volume (metric tons) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
| Segments Covered | Capacity, Material, Head Type, End-use, Country |
| Key Companies Profiled | Mauser Packaging Solutions; Greif Inc.; Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited; Time Technoplast Ltd.; Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA.; PT Rhem Indonesia, Tbk.; PT Karya Sarana Drumindo.; Pelangi Indah Canindo; Malayan Metal Works; Sicagen India Limited; Nippon Steel Drum Co. Ltd.; Saeng Thai Metal Drum Co., Ltd.; HAS Industries Pte Ltd; Jurong Barrels & Drums Industries Pte Ltd; Global Barrels Industries Pte Ltd; EcoDrum Sdn Bhd; PT. PRAJAMITA INTERNUSA; Saeng Thai Metal Drum Company Limited (STD); Pyramid Technoplast Ltd; Indonesia Raya Makmur PT. |
The global steel drum industry analysis in southeast Asia is estimated to be valued at USD 485.0 million in 2025.
The market size for the steel drum industry analysis in southeast Asia is projected to reach USD 954.0 million by 2035.
The steel drum industry analysis in southeast Asia is expected to grow at a 7.0% CAGR between 2025 and 2035.
The key product types in steel drum industry analysis in southeast Asia are 55 gallons steel drums (standard size) and other than 55 gallon.
In terms of material, carbon steel segment to command 71.2% share in the steel drum industry analysis in southeast Asia in 2025.
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Steel Drum Industry Analysis in Southeast Asia
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