Manufacturing Market Research

How market research enables manufacturing companies to stay ahead of competition

The manufacturing sector is highly competitive and constantly changing.  The manufacturing market is expected to generate approximately US$14 trillion in added value in 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 1.43% from 2025 to 2029.

The sector evolves with new players, technologies, and innovations that emerge. Through conducting market research, manufacturing companies can stay ahead of the competition by carrying out competitor analysis, strategic pricing, and having new product launches.

Market research also reveals gaps in the market that competitors may have overlooked, providing opportunities for differentiation and positioning. 

By leveraging through competitive intelligence, manufacturers can adapt quickly to industry trends, optimise their value propositions, and safeguard their market share. In the increasingly dynamic manufacturing environment, having ongoing attention to this enables the manufacturers to maintain or increase their position in the sector.

Market research to optimise production and supply chain management

Developing efficient production and supply chain management are necessary to manufacturing profitability, and utilising market research enables manufacturers to achieve both. To add on, insights into demand and supply fluctuations can help manufacturers refine production volumes to reduce waste and lower inventory costs. As market data and information directs supply chain planning, businesses can enhance operational agility, improve lead times, and better meet customer expectations.

What are the sectors in the manufacturing industry and how is market research conducted?

Industrial Manufacturing

The production of goods for industrial use from raw materials is the responsibility of the industrial manufacturing sector; its output has enabled mass production in the majority of other sectors. In addition to other industrial-use goods including hardware, paper and packaging materials, glass, and other fixtures, it is in charge of manufacturing a wide range of machinery, from massive industrial to basic domestic devices.

Electronics Manufacturing

The electronics manufacturing market plays a critical role as a subset of industrial manufacturing. Electronic manufacturing focuses on the assembly, testing, and quality control of electronic parts and devices. This includes components such as circuit boards and printed circuit board (PCB) assembly.  Electronics manufacturing produces sub sectors such as consumer electronics (smartphones, computers). Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) handle production on behalf of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), allowing OEMs to focus on design and innovation while outsourcing manufacturing.

Market research in this subsector points to steady growth, driven by ongoing innovation, expanding consumer needs, and the increasing role of electronics in everyday life and industry.

Examples of market research in the electronics manufacturing industry

Technological advancements and innovation: Market research highlights the move towards Industry 4.0, which is also known as smart manufacturing, which features automation, robotics, IoT integration, and AI-based manufacturing processes. This improves production efficiency and quality control.

Supply chain and material sourcing: Market research focuses on supply chain risks as semiconductor shortages, raw material price volatility, and geopolitical tensions can affect smooth production. Efficient sourcing strategies and diversification of suppliers are important to mitigate these risks and production costs. Read our market research case study where we researched on the impact of supply chain diversification of smartphone manufacturing into emerging countries (Vietnam and India).

Construction and Engineering Manufacturing

The construction and engineering sector focuses on the design, development, and building of infrastructure and industrial facilities. This industry transforms raw materials such as steel, concrete, and composites into structures like buildings, bridges, roads, and factories that support economic activities across all sectors. Beyond physical construction, it also involves the creation and installation of essential systems and machinery that improve operational efficiency.

Additionally, the construction and engineering sector not only builds structures such as buildings, bridges, and factories but also encompasses the installation of essential systems and fixtures such as plumbing and sanitation (including toilets and piping networks) to electrical and HVAC systems that ensure buildings are safe, efficient, and habitable.

Conducting thorough market research in this sector is essential to understand regional demand dynamics, material sourcing challenges, regulatory environments, and technological adoption trends.

Examples of market research in the construction and engineering industry

Market size and growth analysis: Measure the regional and global market sizes, growth rates, and forecasts. For instance, identifying emerging markets like India and China driving growth through urbanisation and infrastructure projects.

Market opportunity understanding: Identifying market size, distribution model, decision making process, and production system of home appliances. Read our ventilation market research in the USA where we carried out manufacturing surveys as one part of our project. We also conducted market research on the bath and shower manufacturing market in Egypt, Italy, Turkey, Bangladesh.

Car Manufacturing / Automotive Industry

The automotive industry encompasses all businesses and operations engaged in the production of automobiles, including the majority of its parts, including bodywork and engines. The automotive industry is the world’s biggest consumer of technical textiles.

Conducting thorough market research in the automotive industry sector is essential to understand regional demand dynamics, material sourcing challenges, regulatory environments, and technological adoption trends.

Examples of market research in the car manufacturing industry

Regulatory and policy impact: Understanding emissions standards, safety regulations, and incentives that influence production decisions and market demands, such as evolving automotives of EVs (electric vehicles). Market research identifies the challenges such as compliance and the impact of evolving policies on product design, cost structures, and competitive positioning.

Competitive and industry analysis: Studying major players such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, BMW, Tesla, and emerging EV startups reveals strategic directions, R&D investments, product roadmaps, and production capacity. Annual reports and public filings are used to benchmark competitors.

Apparel, footwear and fashion manufacturing

The apparel, footwear, and fashion industry converts raw materials like textiles, leather, and synthetic fibers into finished consumer goods intended for clothing and personal adornment. This sector incorporates diverse manufacturing techniques, from massive-scale automated production to handmade craftmanship which produces functional and stylistic items.

This sector is highly sensitive to consumer preferences, material availability, production costs, and competitive pressures. This varies significantly globally through country by country and market by market. Incorporating market research aids manufacturers and retailers in navigating various factors such as fashion trends, labour market conditions, and sourcing channels. By understanding the local regulatory frameworks and tariff structures, businesses can strategically position themselves in the competitive global landscape.

Examples of market research in the apparel manufacturing industry

Consumer insights research: Surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with existing and prospective customers can help understand preferences, spending habits, brand perceptions, and product feedback. For instance, gathering information on customer reactions to different forms of apparel styles and shopping experiences.

Competitive analysis: Performing SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis on competitors through evaluation on product usage, pricing strategies, production capabilities, and distribution channels.

FAQ about manufacturing market research

Work with us for your market research needs in the manufacturing industry

Here at GLOBAL ANGLE, we have an array of market research experience in the manufacturing industry, from consumer electronics to automotive. We are also able to conduct OEM searches for manufacturers with business matching needs. Contact us now for a non-obligatory consultation.