Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2016-2031)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 3.1 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $29.9bn in 2026.
Trends and Insights
Tariffs on steel and aluminum cans could impact manufacturing and trade dynamics
- As of January 2025, steel and aluminum face tariffs of 50.0%, with steel and aluminum containers subject to even higher rates ranging from 50.0% to 56.0%. These measures threaten to intensify shortages of essential inputs for manufacturers while simultaneously reducing trade values. This directly pressures revenue for metal can and container producers. The resulting surge in operating costs may limit profit and likely force companies to raise prices. Competition could also increase if cost-effective packaging alternatives, such as plastics, continue to replace their metal counterparts.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2026-2031)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Higher disposable income will likely lead to manufacturing revenue from premium, canned beverages
- The projected 2026 hike in disposable income will likely enable more consumers to afford premium beverages, such as craft beers and energy drinks. These beverages are frequently packaged in metal cans. Brands like PepsiCo and Red Bull could also capitalize on the durability and broad consumer appeal of metal cans, further boosting revenue.
Biggest companies in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2026 | Revenue ($m)
2026 | Profit ($m)
2026 | Profit Margin (%)
2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ball Corp | 5,280.7 | 491.8 | 9.3 | |
Crown Holdings, Inc. | 3,431.5 | 431.0 | 12.6 | |
ILC Dover LP | 149.9 | 5.7 | 3.8 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 4 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Aluminum cans , Steel and tin cans and Other metal containers. Aluminum cans is the largest segment of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing in the US.
Trends and Insights
Aluminum cans offer environmental benefits, but import tariffs may limit their use
- Aluminum cans, prized for their lightweight and recyclable nature, primarily serve as containers for beverages. Their capability to effectively preserve carbonation and flavor has positioned them as a preferred choice for packaging in the beverage industry.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry primarily manufactures light metal cans made of aluminum or steel used as beverage and food containers. Metal can and container manufacturers also produce steel shipping barrels, drums, pails and other fabricated steel boxes, which account for a small share of revenue. This industry doesn't manufacture foil or heavy-metal containers.
What's included in this industry?
Products and services covered in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States include Aluminum can manufacturing and Steel and tin can manufacturing.Companies
Companies covered in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States include Ball Corp, Crown Holdings, Inc. and ILC Dover LP.Purchase this report to view all 4 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
Related terms covered in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States include three-piece can, two-piece can, end and pail.Industry Code
NAICS 33243 - Metal Can & Container Manufacturing in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Manufacturers might face shortages of essential cans. Rising tariffs on steel and aluminum could prompt producers to raise prices or switch to alternative packaging. This is ...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Employees, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Businesses, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Profit, including historical (2016-2026)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Aluminum cans are preferred beverage containers because of their lightweight, recyclable properties, which effectively preserve carbonation and flavor. Environmental awarenes...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2026
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2026
- Major market segmentation in 2026
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The Great Lakes region enhances manufacturing efficiency by reducing costs. Its strategic location supports metal can and container production by providing access to raw mate...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2026
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2026
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2026
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Plastic bottles' lower production costs challenge metal can and container manufacturers to innovate. Despite advancements in light-weighting, plastic alternatives remain more...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2021-2026
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
On February 16, 2024, Ball Corporation sold its aerospace division to concentrate on aluminum can manufacturing. The proceeds were used to reduce debt and repurchase equity. ...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2022 through 2026
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2026
- Overview of Ball Corp's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of Crown Holdings, Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of ILC Dover LP's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for one additional company
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Ball Corp, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Crown Holdings, Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for ILC Dover LP, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for one additional company
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces chemical restrictions on manufacturers. These limitations help mitigate negative environmental and public health impacts. R...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Craft beer, energy drink and sparkling water demand drove higher revenue and profit over the past five years. Automation investments reduced labor costs and minimized waste. ...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2019-2024)
- Industry Tax Structure (2019-2024)
- Income Statement (2019-2024)
- Balance Sheet (2019-2024)
- Liquidity Ratios (2019-2024)
- Coverage Ratios (2019-2024)
- Leverage Ratios (2019-2024)
- Operating Ratios (2019-2024)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Employee (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Employees per Establishment (2016-2031)
- Employees per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Average Wage (2016-2031)
- Wages/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- IVA/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Imports/Demand (2016-2031)
- Exports/Revenue (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2016-2031)
- IVA (2016-2031)
- Establishments (2016-2031)
- Enterprises (2016-2031)
- Employment (2016-2031)
- Exports (2016-2031)
- Imports (2016-2031)
- Wages (2016-2031)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States in 2026?
The market size of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States is $29.9bn in 2026.
How many businesses are there in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States in 2026?
There are 277 businesses in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States, which has declined at a CAGR of 1.3 % between 2021 and 2026.
How may import tariffs affect the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States?
The Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States is likely to be impacted by import tariffs with imports accounting for a moderate share of industry revenue.
How may export tariffs affect the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States?
The Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States is unlikely to be materially impacted by export tariffs with exports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
Has the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States has been growing at a CAGR of 3.1 % between 2021 and 2026.
What is the forecast growth of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States are Ball Corp, Crown Holdings, Inc. and ILC Dover LP
What does the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States include?
Aluminum can manufacturing and Steel and tin can manufacturing are part of the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States?
The company holding the most market share in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States is Ball Corp.
How competitive is the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States?
The level of competition is high and steady in the Metal Can & Container Manufacturing industry in the United States.
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
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