Global Soft Starter Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Application;
Pumps, Fans & blowers, Compressors, and Other Applications.By End Use;
Oil & gas, Mining, Power, Automotive, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Soft Starter Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Soft Starter Market was valued at USD 2,179.56 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 3,277.25 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6%.
The global soft starter market is experiencing significant growth driven by industrial automation trends, energy efficiency initiatives, and increasing adoption across various industries. Soft starters are electronic devices used to control the starting torque and current of electric motors, thereby reducing mechanical stress and extending the lifespan of equipment. They provide gradual acceleration and deceleration of motors, minimizing electrical and mechanical shocks during startup, which is crucial for applications where precise control and smooth operation are required.
Key drivers of the global soft starter market include the emphasis on energy efficiency and the need to comply with stringent energy regulations. Soft starters help reduce energy consumption by limiting inrush current during motor startup, leading to lower electricity bills and improved operational efficiency. Industries such as oil and gas, water and wastewater, mining, and manufacturing are increasingly adopting soft starters to optimize energy usage and reduce carbon footprints, contributing to sustainability goals.
Technological advancements in soft starter designs, such as digital control interfaces and integrated communication protocols (like Modbus and Ethernet), enhance system integration and monitoring capabilities. These features enable remote monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance of motor-driven equipment, enhancing overall reliability and reducing downtime. As industrial automation continues to expand globally, driven by Industry 4.0 initiatives and smart manufacturing practices, the demand for soft starters is expected to grow, offering opportunities for market players to innovate and expand their product offerings in diverse industrial sectors.
Global Soft Starter Market Recent Developments
-
In March 2024, Schneider Electric introduced a new series of soft starters designed for electric motors in HVAC systems, providing smoother starts and energy savings.
-
In December 2022, Siemens launched an updated soft starter model aimed at reducing electrical stresses in heavy machinery, improving motor lifespan and operational efficiency.
Segment Analysis
This report extensively covers different segments of Global Soft Starter Market and provides an in depth analysis (including revenue analysis for both historic and forecast periods) for all the market segments. In this report, the analysis for every market segment is substantiated with relevant data points and, insights that are generated from analysis of these data points (data trends and patterns).
The global soft starter market is segmented by application, end-use industry, and geography to cater to diverse operational needs and market dynamics. In terms of application, soft starters find extensive use in various motor-driven equipment such as pumps, compressors, fans, and conveyors across industries like oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, mining, manufacturing, and HVAC systems. Each application requires tailored soft starter solutions to ensure efficient motor control, reduce mechanical stress during startup, and optimize energy consumption.
Across different end-use industries, the adoption of soft starters varies based on specific operational requirements and regulatory standards. Industries such as oil and gas utilize soft starters to control the starting torque of pumps and compressors, enhancing operational reliability and energy efficiency. In manufacturing, soft starters are integral to minimizing equipment wear and optimizing production processes. Similarly, in HVAC systems, soft starters ensure smooth operation of motors while reducing power surges and improving overall system performance.
Geographically, the market segmentation reflects regional variations in industrialization, infrastructure development, and regulatory environments. North America and Europe lead in market adoption due to stringent energy efficiency regulations and advanced industrial automation practices. Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid market growth driven by expanding manufacturing activities and infrastructure investments in countries like China and India. Emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa present opportunities for market expansion as industries prioritize efficiency improvements and compliance with environmental regulations. As the global soft starter market continues to evolve, segmentation by application, end-use industry, and geography allows manufacturers to customize solutions that meet specific regional requirements and operational challenges effectively.
Global Soft Starter Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Soft Starter Market has been segmented by Application, End Use and Geography.
Global Soft Starter Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Soft Starter Market has been segmented by Application into Pumps, Fans and blowers, Compressors and Other Applications.
The global soft starter market has been segmented by application into several key sectors, including pumps, fans and blowers, compressors, and other applications. Soft starters are widely used across these sectors to enhance operational efficiency, reduce mechanical stress on equipment, and improve overall reliability.
In the pump segment, soft starters are essential for controlling the starting and stopping of electric motors used in various pump applications such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and irrigation systems. By gradually ramping up motor speed, soft starters prevent water hammer effects and extend the lifespan of pumps while optimizing energy consumption.
Fans and blowers also benefit significantly from soft starters, which ensure smooth and controlled motor acceleration. These devices are critical in HVAC systems, ventilation systems, and industrial applications where precise airflow control and energy efficiency are paramount. Soft starters help reduce energy costs by limiting the inrush current during startup, thereby minimizing peak demand charges.
In the compressor segment, soft starters are employed to manage the starting torque and current of motors used in air compressors and refrigeration systems. By mitigating mechanical stress during startup, soft starters enhance equipment longevity and reliability while optimizing energy consumption. They also enable smoother operation and reduce wear and tear on compressor components, contributing to lower maintenance costs and improved system efficiency.
Across other applications, such as conveyor belts, mixers, and machine tools, soft starters provide similar benefits of reduced mechanical shock, energy savings, and enhanced equipment protection. As industries continue to prioritize energy efficiency and operational reliability, the demand for soft starters across these diverse applications is expected to grow, presenting opportunities for market expansion and innovation in soft starter technology.
Global Soft Starter Market, Segmentation by End Use
The Global Soft Starter Market has been segmented by End Use into Oil and gas, Mining, Power, Automotive and Others.
The global soft starter market is segmented by end use into several key sectors, each with distinct requirements and applications for soft starter technology. The oil and gas industry represents a significant segment due to the extensive use of electric motors in pumps, compressors, and drilling equipment. Soft starters help reduce mechanical stress on equipment during startup, enhancing operational efficiency and extending the lifespan of critical assets in oil refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms.
In the mining sector, soft starters play a crucial role in controlling conveyor belts, crushers, and grinding mills. By providing smooth acceleration and deceleration of motors, soft starters improve productivity, reduce downtime due to motor failures, and optimize energy consumption in mining operations. This sector's adoption of soft starters is driven by the need for reliable and efficient motor control solutions that can withstand harsh operating conditions and stringent safety standards.
The power industry utilizes soft starters in applications such as pumps, fans, and cooling towers within power generation plants and substations. Soft starters help manage inrush current, improve power factor correction, and enhance motor control efficiency, contributing to overall grid stability and energy conservation efforts. Additionally, soft starters find applications in the automotive sector for controlling assembly line equipment, conveyors, and HVAC systems, where precise motor control is essential for maintaining production efficiency and reducing operational costs. Across these diverse end-use segments, the global soft starter market continues to expand as industries prioritize energy efficiency, reliability, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Global Soft Starter Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Soft Starter Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Soft Starter Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
I don't have access to real-time data or specific market share percentages for the global soft starter market by geographical region. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on market share by region, I recommend consulting industry reports, market research publications, or databases that specialize in providing detailed market analysis and data. These sources typically segment market share by regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, highlighting trends, growth drivers, and competitive landscapes specific to each region.
Generally, North America and Europe are considered mature markets for soft starters, driven by stringent energy efficiency regulations and robust industrial sectors. These regions often prioritize advanced technologies and automation solutions, leading to significant adoption of soft starters across various industries.
Asia-Pacific is expected to witness substantial growth in the soft starter market due to rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, and increasing investments in manufacturing sectors. Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are driving demand for soft starters to enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Latin America, Middle East, and Africa also present growth opportunities, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions, as industrial automation and infrastructure projects drive the adoption of soft starters for motor control applications. Understanding regional dynamics and market conditions is crucial for stakeholders looking to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges in the global soft starter market.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Soft Starter Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Energy Efficiency Initiatives
- Industrial Automation Trends
-
Increasing Adoption in Various Industries-The global soft starter market has witnessed significant growth driven by its increasing adoption across various industries. Soft starters are devices used to control the acceleration of electric motors, reducing the mechanical stress during startup and offering energy efficiency benefits. One key driver for their adoption is the emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency in industrial operations. Soft starters help in minimizing electrical surges and voltage dips during motor startups, thereby extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing maintenance costs.
Industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, and water treatment are among the primary sectors adopting soft starters. These industries rely heavily on large motor-driven machinery where the smooth startup and operational efficiency provided by soft starters are crucial. The ability of soft starters to prevent sudden torque increases and reduce electrical stress on motors makes them invaluable in environments where uptime and reliability are paramount.
Advancements in soft starter technology, including digital controls and integration with IoT platforms, have further fueled market growth. These innovations enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime. As industries increasingly prioritize automation and smart solutions, soft starters are poised to play a pivotal role in optimizing motor-driven systems, contributing to overall operational cost savings and sustainability efforts.
Restraints:
- Initial Cost of Implementation
- Compatibility Issues with Existing Systems
-
Limited Awareness in Some Regions-The global soft starter market, although robust in many regions, faces challenges stemming from limited awareness and adoption in certain geographical areas. Soft starters are electronic devices used to control the acceleration of electric motors, reducing mechanical stress during startup by gradually increasing voltage. Despite their benefits in enhancing motor longevity, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing electrical surges, awareness remains limited in some parts of the world.
In regions where industrialization and infrastructure development are slower or less advanced, such as parts of Africa and certain rural areas in Asia, awareness of soft starters may be limited. This lack of awareness can stem from various factors, including inadequate dissemination of information, limited access to advanced technology, and a preference for traditional motor starting methods due to lower upfront costs or cultural familiarity.
Regulatory frameworks and standards regarding energy efficiency and electrical safety vary globally, influencing the adoption of technologies like soft starters. In regions where these standards are less stringent or where enforcement is lax, there may be less incentive for industries to invest in technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, such as soft starters. As global awareness of environmental sustainability grows and energy efficiency becomes a more significant concern, there may be increasing pressure for businesses and industries in these regions to adopt technologies like soft starters to align with international standards and practices.
Opportunities:
- Technological Advancements
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
-
Integration with IoT and Smart Technologies-The global soft starter market is increasingly integrating with IoT (Internet of Things) and smart technologies to enhance efficiency, reliability, and operational insights across various industrial applications. Soft starters, which control the acceleration of electric motors, are now being equipped with IoT capabilities to enable real-time monitoring, remote operation, and predictive maintenance. These advancements allow operators to monitor motor performance metrics such as temperature, vibration, and energy consumption remotely, facilitating proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
IoT integration in soft starters also enables data-driven decision-making by collecting and analyzing large volumes of operational data. This data can be leveraged to optimize energy usage, improve process efficiencies, and extend equipment lifespan. Smart soft starters can autonomously adjust motor parameters based on real-time conditions and predictive analytics, thereby optimizing performance in dynamic operating environments. This level of automation and intelligence supports industries in achieving higher productivity and reducing operational costs.
The convergence of soft starters with smart technologies enhances safety and compliance standards by providing real-time alerts and diagnostics. IoT-enabled soft starters can detect abnormalities or potential faults early, triggering alerts for timely intervention and preventive maintenance. This proactive approach not only ensures operational continuity but also enhances workplace safety by minimizing risks associated with equipment failures. As industries continue to adopt Industry 4.0 principles, the integration of IoT with soft starters represents a significant step towards smarter, more efficient industrial operations.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Soft Starter Market include:
- ABB Ltd.
- Siemens AG
- Schneider Electric SE
- Rockwell Automation, Inc.
- Eaton Corporation PLC
- Danfoss A/S
- WEG S.A.
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- Emerson Electric Co.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End Use
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Soft Starter Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Energy Efficiency Initiatives
- Industrial Automation Trends
- Increasing Adoption in Various Industries
- Restraints
- Initial Cost of Implementation
- Compatibility Issues with Existing Systems
- Limited Awareness in Some Regions
- Opportunities
- Technological Advancements
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
- Integration with IoT and Smart Technologies
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Soft Starter Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Pumps
- Fans & blowers
- Compressors
- Other Applications
- Global Soft Starter Market, By End Use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Oil & gas
- Mining
- Power
- Automotive
- Others
- Global Soft Starter Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Soft Starter Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- ABB Ltd.
- Siemens AG
- Schneider Electric SE
- Rockwell Automation, Inc.
- Eaton Corporation PLC
- Danfoss A/S
- WEG S.A.
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
- Toshiba Corporation
- Emerson Electric Co.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market