Global Motor Starters Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Motor Starters Market conducted by the CMI Team, the global Motor Starters Market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 7.8 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 12.8 Billion.

Overview

The worldwide motor starters market is seeing a steady expansion pace propelled by industrial automation, infrastructure development, and an ever-growing demand for energy-efficient motor control systems. The 2024 market size was estimated to be roughly USD 7.4 billion and is projected to reach nearly USD 12.8 billion by 2034, at a fast 5.8% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Historically, the demand was largely dominated by direct-on-line and star–delta starters owing to their simplicity and low costs.

However, with the rising focus on operational efficiency, equipment protection, and reduced downtime, soft starters, hybrid systems, and intelligent motor controllers are gaining improved acceptance. Demand is huge in key industries such as oil & gas, mining, power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing, whereas commercial and residential applications are growing in volume. Asia-Pacific continues to be the leading region with industrialisation and electrification projects fueling its growth, whereas North America and Europe are sitting on replacement-driven market demand. Overall, the market is shifting toward advanced, automated, and digitally integrated solutions.

Key Trends & Drivers                                                                                                  

The Motor Starters Market Trends present significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Industrial Automation and Modernisation: Automated production, processing, and heavy industries bear some of the greatest weight behind industrial automation in support of motor starters. Since automated production lines require precise motor control, overload protection, and energy efficiency, conventional starters are far from ideal. Hence, spurring growth in soft starters, hybrid systems, and smart starters embedded with sensors and modules for communication. Additionally, the modernisation schemes of the developed economies focus on replacing obsolete motor-control systems with advanced digitally compatible solutions. Due to the disintegration of Industry 4.0, demand for smart and reliable motor starters is expected to multiply, thus creating long-term market demand for them.

• Increasing Energy Efficiency Regulations: Global governments are tightening regulations to ensure less industrial energy consumption and carbon emissions. Electric motors are responsible for consuming close to half of the entire global electrical energy, thus implying the basic need for highly efficient starters. Soft starters and hybrid starters help to improve motor life by limiting power surges, therefore preventing energy losses, and this is perfectly in line with sustainability goals. Programs such as the EU Ecodesign Directive and similar initiatives in Asia and North America are pressuring industries to implement energy-efficient motor control systems. Meeting such standards, therefore, not only ensures that operating costs are lower for the end users but also hastens the demand for advanced motor starters, especially in energy-consuming sectors such as chemicals, power, and mining.

• Expansion of the End-Use Sectors: With the growth of the end-use industries, such as oil & gas, water and wastewater treatment, power generation, and food & beverage, the motor starter market gains benefits. Building infrastructure, water management, and renewable energy plants cannot be ramped up without reliable motor control systems. Starters initiate and shut down pumps, compressors, conveyors, and various other industrial types of equipment. The massive-scale processes of industrialisation and infrastructure projects occurring in the emerging economies reinforce the steady demand pipeline. Another boost comes from the necessary demand from ageing assets in developed regions for continuously adopting new types of starter technology.

• Technological Advancements and Smart Solutions: With the rapid progress of motor control technology, engineering is making much-needed changes in the market landscape. In view of reduced downtime and maintenance expenses, intelligent motor starters fitted with IoT connectivity, diagnosis, and predictive maintenance are gaining popularity. When integrated with building automation or smart grid Systems, it enables efficient operational control, hence providing the solutions with considerable attractiveness across sectors. Hybrid designs that combine the direct-on-line simplicity with soft starter protection offer users an extended range of choices. With the spread of digitalisation, the convergence of motor starters with cloud-based monitoring and data analytics further accentuates their value proposition, ensuring continued growth both in developed and emerging markets.

Significant Threats

The Motor Starters Market has several major threats that may hinder growth and profitability now and in the future, including:

Threats

• Increasing Competition from VFDs: VFDs are increasingly serving as a substitute for motor starters as they also provide soft-start capabilities and precise speed controls. Being energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run, they are increasingly attractive to industries. Hence, this trend can hamper the demand for conventional starters, including soft starters and star–delta, unless manufacturers can combine them with value-added features.

• Raw Material Price Fluctuations: Prices of raw materials include all processes essential for the manufacture of motor starters, so they affect process costs and thus profitability. Interrupted supply chains, geopolitical uncertainties, and the imposition of tariffs can further increase the risk in this matter, thereby leading to product price increments and, in turn, eating away at competitiveness.

Opportunities

• Rural and Emerging Economy Development: Fast industrialization in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and African regions quickly pulls demand for motor starters toward infrastructure works, water management, and manufacturing. Large-scale electrification and industries backed by governments provide opportunities for both cheap and up-market motor starter solutions. Localised manufacturing can further help to penetrate price-sensitive markets.

• Smart Technology Adoption: Real growth can only be achieved by the adoption of IoT-enabled motor starters equipped with real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. Such smart solutions complement Industry 4.0 ideology and therefore present a resale value in the reduction of downtime and energy efficiency. Those few players who make rather advanced connected starters will capture major market shares in the new-generation industrial plants.

Category Wise Insights

By Type

• Doll Starter: The utility of DOL starters is found in small and medium-sized motor applications because of their simplicity, low cost, and easy installation. They find applicability in pumps, compressors, and HVAC systems, especially in cost-sensitive markets. Nevertheless, the absence of current limiting and motor protection hinders their utility in large-scale industrial applications.

• Star-Delta Starters: Star-delta remains in demand in industries requiring transiently low-supply current for medium-sized motors. And other applications include pumps, blowers, and conveyors. Despite their reliability and cost efficiency, the gradual decline of this market share signals a shift from industries toward soft starters and their intelligent alternatives that provide smoother acceleration and better protection for motors.

• Soft Starters: The rising demand for soft starters primarily results from minimising the inrush current, thus enhancing motor life and energy efficiency. They are employed in mining, oil & gas, and water treatment. The sheer environmental pressure considers efficient operation, along with Industry 4.0 solutions, to spur further demand.

• Reverse Starters: Reversing starters operate in situations where a change of direction for a motor is applicable, e.g., conveyors, lifts, and industrial automation systems. Their applications are specialised when compared to DOL or soft starters, but they are vital in the manufacturing and logistics industries. These reverse starters will remain in steady demand when integrated into automation systems.

• Autotransformer Starters: Being rather complex and expensive, autotransformer starters are still under review for being reliable on large motors, although fast electronic solutions seem to be encroaching upon their territory. If you consider their use in heavy industries, including mining, petrochemicals, and utilities, a diverse array of applications gives them a great standing.

• Hybrid Starters: Hybrid starters combine mechanical switching and electronic control, and such names convey reduced wear and efficiency improvements. These are slowly entering industries today, which demand high reliability and low maintenance. Due to their high flexibility, they can be used across end-use sectors, and the expectation is that their use will steadily grow with the decline of conventional end-users toward advanced and smart systems.

• Other Specialised Starters: The other specialised starters include part-winding starters, electronic motor controllers, and tailor-made solutions to suit the peculiar needs of certain industries. Though the market here is smaller, it is nonetheless demanding and vital for highly specialised applications such as defence, aerospace, and high-voltage utilities. Growth is underpinned by innovation in digital motor control and demand for niche solutions.

By End-User Industry

• Industrial Manufacturing: Industrial Manufacturing is the largest end-user segment that is supported by extensive use of motors in machinery, conveyors, and production lines. Demand here is reinforced by automation, modernisation, and the need for reliable motor protection; thus, this market segment provides continual revenue.

• Oil & Gas: Oil & gas makes use of motor starters for pumps, compressors, and drilling equipment. There is, then, a demand for features and qualities that will ensure high reliability and protection. While demand inevitably rises and falls with energy investment, it continues to surge; this is because operations need protective factors in place.

• Mining & Metals: Mining uses heavy-duty motors for crushers, conveyors, and ventilation systems. Starters with overload protection and controlled acceleration are essential. Professional development is reliant on the global demand for commodities and investments in mining projects.

• Power Generation & Utilities: They require starters for turbines, pumps, and auxiliaries. Reliability and durability among the occurrence of such a sector. Rising electricity demand and growth in renewable energy facilities support its development.

• Water & Wastewater Treatment: These help pumps and blowers in the water treatment plant to operate efficiently. A global surge in the requirement for sustainable solutions for clean water and wastewater treatment sustains this segment’s steady growth.

• Chemical & Petrochemical: This sector would require heavy-duty motor starters for pumps, agitators, and compressors under arduous conditions. Safety, explosion-proof, and reliability are the key factors on which the specialised starter adaptation is based here.

• Pulp & Paper: The pulp and paper mills use motor starters for conveyors, refiners, and processing machines. Demand is moderate but firm, with modernisation initiatives attempting to further replace older systems.

• Food & Beverage: Motor starters are essential for processing, packaging, and refrigeration systems. Growth has been supported by the expansion of food processing industries globally and the focus on efficiency within high-volume operations.

• Commercial Buildings: The applications to elevators, HVAC systems, and water pumps will ensure steady demand from commercial buildings. The increase in acceptance of smart building technologies will likely encourage interest in advanced starters featuring monitoring capacity.

• Residential Applications: Residential applications are primarily for small motors used in pumps and appliances. This demand is highly volume-driven and price-sensitive; hence, low-cost DOL starters are favoured. However, energy-efficient strength is slowly invading this market.

By Distribution Channel

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Process manufacturing is the domain that uses motor starters. So, many sales occur with these starters integrated directly into new machinery and systems. Growth tracks industrial automation globally and manufacturing over time.

• Aftermarket: The aftermarket is powered by replacement demand for existing older installations and the desire to upgrade to advanced starters. Hence, it’s a steady revenue stream, especially for mature markets with older infrastructure.

• Direct Sale: Direct sales take over huge contracts and industrial projects when clients require customised solutions, technical support, and long-term service agreements from reputed suppliers.

• Distributor: Distributors play a significant role in supporting installations of small- and medium-sized plants, especially in markets where price sensitivity is the norm. They offer greater accessibility, local inventories, and technical support, boosting market penetration.

Historical Context

The motor starter demand market was historically fuelled by the unprecedented adoption of electric motors throughout industrial, commercial, or residential applications. Till then, demand was essentially confined to conventional direct-on-line and star–delta starters, thus ensuring cheaper and simpler motor starting arrangements. Fascinated by industries, mainly manufacturing, oil & gas, and utilities, and, substantially, steady consumption was maintained. With the passage of time, however, increasing emphasis on the protection of equipment, reliability, and energy efficiency greatly favoured new solutions such as soft starters and hybrid starters.

Ahead, markets will take the lead toward intelligent, automated, and digitally connected solutions following Industry 4.0 and sustainability goals. The rapid industrialisation of Asia-Pacific, the modernisation of the whole infrastructure in mature economies, and infrastructure investments in a lot of other places will keep on feeding the growth. Forecasting its pace, the market shall grow moderately yet steadily, providing itself with numerous opportunities, both for replacement demand and new installations.

Impact of Recent Tariff Policies

Post-2025 tariff implementations have had a profound impact on the motor starters domain, especially in trade-sensitive areas. For one, the U.S. has imposed 50 percent tariffs on steel, aluminium, and copper imports under Section 232 and further 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, pressurizing the larger electrical equipment supply chain. The rising input costs level the ground for squeezing the margins, or in some scenarios, lead to a surge in the product price, especially from the point of view of motor starter producers who need imported metals and power electronics.

To keep their own competitiveness, a few producers have begun to shift production or sourcing to tariff-free regions. Meanwhile, India confronts a reciprocal tariff of 50 percent on most items to the U.S., up from 25 percent. Per Fitch, the United States’ effective tariff on Indian goods has thus far climbed from 2.4% in 2024 to about 20.7%; this rise would perhaps depress export opportunities for Indian companies in motor starters having a U.S. presence. Medium-term consequences include slowed demand growth in tariff-affected markets, supply chain realignment, and further incentives to local manufacture in proximity to demand centres.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

The Motor Starters Market is segmented by key regions and includes detailed analysis across major countries. Below is a brief overview of the market dynamics in each country:

North America:

The consistent demand for North America is underpinned by an industrial plant renewal trend and energy efficiency regulations.  Replacement demand for motor starters remains high in the USA, especially within manufacturing, oil & gas, and utilities. Meanwhile, Canada is involved with mining, water treatment, and renewable projects.  Motor starters with digital integration are heavily pursued in both countries in the adoption of Industry 4.0.

• US: Emphasis is on replacement demand and automation integration. Strong adoption occurs in oil & gas, manufacturing, and commercial infrastructure; increasing use of intelligent starters is observed.

• Canada: Demand in Canada is led by mining, utilities, and water treatment projects. Emphasis on sustainability and efficient systems supports soft starter adoption.

• Mexico: The United Kingdom’s market is driven by modernisation in utilities, commercial infrastructure, and industrial automation. Smart starters are witnessing increased adoption.

Europe:

The European motor starters market is assisted by the growing automation of the industrial sector, coupled with stringent environmental compliance.  Germany leads in industry, capitalising on strong manufacturing and automotive industries that demand advanced starters.  The U.K. emphasises modernisation in energy and utilities. The digitalisation, renewable energy, and industrial safety programs throughout CEnergion have been a catalyst for the regional shift toward smart motor control systems.

• Germany: Germany obtains an advantage with its powerful industrial and automotive base. These competitive motor starters essentially guarantee that the condition of safe and effective function is in a high dimension.

• United Kingdom: The UK market benefits from the modernisation of utilities, commercial infrastructure, and industrial automation. Strong acceptance for smart starters is in place.

Asia-Pacific: Asia dominates global demand with its fast industrialisation, quality infrastructure projects, and increased electrification. Backed by abundant industrial outputs and power-related projects, China takes the lead. On the other hand, India has a higher growth potential via infrastructure and water treatment investments. Japan, however, develops with an inclination towards advanced automation and energy-efficient solutions. By all means, Asia Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region, accelerated by new installations and replacement demand.

• China: China, on the other hand, dominates Asia’s share, supported by rapid industrialisation with huge infrastructure investments and power sector expansion.

• India: India is at an advanced stage of development and supported by industrial growth, water projects, and government electrification programs.

• Japan: Japan emphasises energy-efficient, high-tech starters for automation and smart manufacturing.

LAMEA: The LAMEA market is moderate, sustained by industrial expansion and energy projects. Brazil holds the bulk of the demand from manufacturing and water infrastructure, whereas the Middle East focuses more on oil & gas, petrochemicals, and power utilities. Adopting sturdy and reliable starters is necessary owing to difficult operating conditions. Slow diversification toward renewable energy projects will provide more opportunities.

• Saudi Arabia: In the oil & gas, petrochemical, and power projects in the Middle East, there arises a requirement for long-term starters who are reliable and concurrently increasing opportunities from renewables.

• Brazil: A market in Brazil is concentrated on manufacturing, water utilities, and infrastructure development.

Key Developments

The Motor Starters Market has undergone a number of important developments over the last couple of years as participants in the industry look to expand their geographic footprint and enhance their product offering and profitability by leveraging synergies.

• In November 2024, Siemens released its SIMATIC ET 200SP e-Starter, a full electronics motor starter using semiconductor (SiC MOSFET) technology that provided short-circuit protection 1,000 times faster than conventional means.

• In April 2025, ABB announced that it had “future-proofed” its Fort Smith (USA) motor production plant and enabled expansion in capacity by means of a new mechanism that did not physically enlarge the facility, thereby backing increased output of drives and motor control equipment.

• In January 2024, ABB declared that its manual motor starter lines (MS325/MO325) would be declared obsolete by July 2025, with no direct replacements as a product rationalisation toward more automated and digital offerings.

• In December 2024, Siemens brought forth the SIRIUS Soft Starter ES V20 and made the upgraded software and licenses available immediately, allowing better configuration, diagnostics, and integration within the automation ecosystem.

These activities have allowed the companies to further develop their product portfolios and sharpen their competitive edge to capitalise on the available growth opportunities in the Motor Starters Market.

Leading Players

The Motor Starters Market is moderately consolidated, dominated by large-scale players with infrastructure and government support. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ABB Ltd.
• Siemens AG
• Schneider Electric SE
• Rockwell Automation Inc.
• Eaton Corporation plc
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.
• CHINT Group
• Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)
• Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co. Ltd.
• WEG S.A.
• Hubbell Incorporated
• Lovato Electric S.p.A.
• BCH Electric Limited
• FANOX Electronic S.L.
• TECO Electric & Machinery Co. Ltd.
• Siemens Energy (for utilities segment)
• GE Industrial Solutions (acquired by ABB)
• Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.
• Schneider Luminous Power Technologies (India focus)
• Others

The market for motor starters is somewhat consolidated, with global players such as ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Eaton, and Mitsubishi Electric claiming leadership and competing through their vast product portfolios and continuous advancements in technologies, allied with an extensive distribution network. Regional players catering to cost-sensitive markets include L&T, CHINT, BCH Electric, and Lovato Electric, which promise localised and competitive offerings.

Competition exists in areas including innovation, energy efficiency, and one’s ability to consider IoT-enabled solutions and integrate them. It is a competitive yet stable market, but characterised by steady demand from replacements, adoption prompted by compliance, and slow migration from conventional starters to highly digitalised ones. Pricing disputes still exist, whereas opportunities can be in emerging economies, aftermarket services, and smart motor control integration with Industry 4.0 and sustainability.

The Motor Starters Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Direct-On-Line (DOL)
• Star–Delta Starters
• Soft Starters
• Reversing Starters
• Autotransformer Starters
• Hybrid Starters
• Other Specialised Starters

By End-User Industry

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Mining & Metals
• Power Generation & Utilities
• Water & Wastewater Treatment
• Chemical & Petrochemical
• Pulp & Paper
• Food & Beverage
• Commercial Buildings
• Residential Applications

By Distribution Channel

• Original Equipment Manufacturer
• Aftermarket
• Direct Sales
• Distributor

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America