Circular Connector Market Size - By End Use, Analysis, Share & Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Circular Connector Market Size

The global circular connector market was valued at USD 10.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach the value of USD 14.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2034. In providing secure power and data signal transmission in harsh environments, circular connectors serve as the fundamental basis of factory automation in modern times. The Federal Reserve's G.17 reports that U.S. industrial production for April 2024 was estimated to have gained 0.7%, now three consecutive months of gains.
 

Electric vehicle adoption is a major growth driver behind demand for circular connectors as manufacturers are interested in high performance and dependability. The International Energy Agency estimates that global EV sales will come in at about 17 million in 2024, which is more than a 20% increase over sales in 2023. As automakers accelerate production of battery-electric and hybrid models, they install circular connectors at critical locations, including battery pack interconnects, charging inlets, and sensors, as part of the powertrain.
 

The 5G connections that telecom companies are using to meet their growing connection demands are perfectly matched with new connectivity solutions that can provide faster data transmission and reduced latency. TE Connectivity introduced its ERFV series coaxial circular connectors in 2024, engineered for board-to-board and board-to-filter applications under 5G’s demanding signal-integrity standards. The increasing demands for circular connectors from the defence sector also fuel the rise in demand, as military systems are known to operate in extreme environments, needing durable and reliable connectivity options.
 

President Trump's tariffs in April 2025 are expected to significantly impact the circular connector market. The 10% tariff on imported electronic components will increase production costs for manufacturers who rely on global supply chains, particularly for connectors sourced from China and Germany. Major players including TE Connectivity and Amphenol will face squeezed margins, likely forcing them to pass higher costs to end-users. This could slow market adoption across key sectors including automotive, industrial automation, and defence, where circular connectors are essential for applications including EVs, robotics, and military communication systems.
 

The tariffs will also disrupt established supply chains, potentially causing delays in production and project timelines. While some manufacturers may explore domestic production options, building local capacity will require substantial time and investment, leading to short-term shortages. The defence sector could be particularly affected, as increased procurement costs may strain budgets for critical programs that depend on specialized circular connectors, including the U.S. Department of Defence’s USD EV200 million contracts with Amphenol for next-generation systems.
 

Circular Connector Market Trends

As government standards push for smaller, lighter connectors in defence and aerospace systems, miniaturization will speed up. For instance, in March 2024, the MIL-DTL-38999 specification from the U.S. Defence Logistics Agency defined four series of circular connectors, one being a new micro-miniature shell size (Series VI). Compared to earlier Series I and II parts, this configuration reduces the overall diameter by approximately 35% while still satisfying MIL-STD-810 vibration, shock, and temperature criteria.
 

Environmental regulations are moving the connector industry towards greener materials and processes in order to meet stringent sustainability and regulatory requirements. For instance, in October 2024, the PBT chemical restrictions under TSCA Section 6(h) finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will phase out decabromodiphenyl ether and phenol isopropylated phosphate chemicals that have been traditionally used in connector plating and insulating materials. According to the final regulation, almost all applications of the substances must cease by January 2025, while from 2026 onward, all circular connector products must adopt cadmium-free.
 

Broadband expansion policies will promote the development of high-speed connector solutions that will facilitate this increased demand for connectivity in rural and underserved regions. For instance, in February 2024, the USDA ReConnect Program Guide for FY 2024 opened USD 476 million in grants and loans to rural internet projects, mandating that each funded network provide a minimum of 100 Mbps downstream and upstream at every premise served.
 

Smart connectors embedding sensors will soon be common components in grid-modernization programs, specifically for real-time monitoring and optimizing performance across the network. For instance, in August 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy announced USD 2.2 billion in Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) "Grid Innovation Program" grants to eight projects across 18 states. Many of the awardees will integrate circular power and data connectors with built-in temperature, voltage, and current sensors directly into microgrid controllers and distribution panels.
 

Circular Connector Market Analysis

• The global market for circular connector was valued at USD 9.7 billion, USD 10.1 billion, and USD 10.5 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively owing to the rapid development of solar capacity is the drive for the demand for circular connectors, which could be regarded as a component to connect solar energy panels into a grid and be able to transfer energy.
   
• According to the Energy Information Administration, the U.S. electric power sector added 19 GW of new utility-scale solar photovoltaic capacity in 2023, equating to a 27% rise over 2022. Solar arrays rely on weatherproof circular connectors to attach to the inverters, combiner boxes, and tracking solar arrays motors.
   
• Federal funding for grid resilience represents yet another driver for expansion within the solar industry, this time by providing support for building microgrids and energy storage systems to better ensure dependability under extremely severe weather conditions. In August 2024, the Department of Energy awarded nearly USD 2.2 billion to eight transmission and microgrid projects in 18 states under its Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership.
   
• Incentive schemes boost miniaturized connectors for consumer electronics, therefore facilitating developments in portable devices and wearables. For instance, India’s Production Linked Incentive schemes, in November 2024, have generated investment of USD 19 billion in fourteen sectors and production worth USD 165 billion, covering everything from smartphones to 5G base stations. The government granted an amount of USD 165.72 million under PLI for ten sectors, including telecom & networking products, stimulating domestic manufacture of compact.
   

• Based on end use, the circular connector market is segmented as telecom, transportation, automotive, industrial, computer & peripherals, military, among others. The computer & peripheral industry catered a market share of over 10.5% in 2024.
   
• The telecom segment covers infrastructure for data and voice transmission, with a market revenue share of over 7% in 2024. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission’s 5G Fund for Rural America will invest up to USD 9 billion to expand 5G broadband in unserved areas. This federal support drives cell-site deployment, where system integrators rely on circular RF connectors, including Type N and 4.3-10 coaxial connectors, to ensure low-loss, weatherproof links between radios and antennas.
   
• The transportation segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2034, that requires high-power, durable interconnect solutions. Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, Ohio will receive USD 140 million over five years to install DC fast chargers every 50 miles along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Each station must offer a minimum of four 150?kW ports using Combined Charging System (CCS) Type?1 circular connectors per FHWA standards.
   
• The automotive segment involves the integration of electronic and electrical systems in vehicles and is estimated to cross USD 1.7 billion by 2034. For instance, Amphenol Corporation reported Q1 2024 sales of USD 3.26 billion, up 6% organically from Q1 2023, with strong contributions from automotive applications. The company cites the growing use of its circular connectors in body electronics, airbags, and infotainment systems.
   
• The industrial uses rugged connectors for data and power exchange in harsh conditions. For instance, U.S. industrial production rose 0.7% in April 2024, driven by stronger output in electronics and machinery, according to the Federal Reserve’s G.17 release. Automated production lines depend on M12 and M8 circular connectors to link sensors, actuators, and I/O systems.
   
• The computer & peripherals segment includes devices including laptops, smartphones, servers, and networking hardware. For instance, IDC forecasts global smartphone shipments will grow 5.8% to 1.23 billion units in 2024. These devices depend on miniature circular RF and board-to-board connectors, including Murata’s U. FL and Samtec’s Q Series, for connecting antennas, cameras, and chips.
   
• The defense segment of circular connector market is estimated to register at a CAGR of over 3.2% from 2025 to 2034. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated USD 172 billion for procurement, including 86 F-35 fighter jets. Each F-35 uses thousands of MIL-DTL-38999 circular connectors in avionics, sensors, and electrical systems. These connectors meet MIL-STD specifications for environmental and EMI resistance.
   

• The U.S. circular connector market was valued at USD 1.56 billion, USD 1.59 billion, USD 1.63 billion in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively, primarily driven by substantial investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The U.S. government's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program allocates USD 5 billion over five years to develop a nationwide EV charging network.
   
• In Europe, the push towards Industry 4.0 and automation is propelling the circular connector market, with a market value of USD 2 billion in 2024. The European Union's Horizon 2020 program has invested USD 86 billion in research and innovation, emphasizing smart manufacturing and industrial automation. This investment fosters the adoption of advanced machinery and robotics, which rely heavily on circular connectors for efficient power and data transmission.
   
• The Asia-Pacific region, particularly India, is witnessing rapid growth in the circular connector market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2034. For instance, in 2024, China added value of major enterprises in this sector increased by 11.8% year-on-year, with combined operating revenues reaching approximately USD 2.26 trillion. This surge is attributed to increased production, rising exports, and sustained investment, reflecting the sector's resilience amid global economic uncertainties.
   
• In the Middle East and Africa, significant investments in renewable energy projects are enhancing the circular connector market. For instance, Egypt plans to build two solar power stations valued at approximately USD 20 million, aiming to achieve 42% of its power from renewables by 2030. These projects require reliable circular connectors to ensure efficient energy transmission and distribution, driving the need for high-quality and weather-resistant connectors in the region.
   
• In Latin America, the circular connector market is expected to reach USD 200 million by 2034. The Brazilian government's 2031 Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan (PDE 2031) prioritizes the expansion of renewable energy sources, aiming to keep Brazil on the path of the expected contribution of the energy sector to the Brazilian Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
   

Circular Connector Market Share

The top 4 companies in the circular connector industry are TE Connectivity, Amphenol, LAPP Group, and Aptiv. These companies collectively hold approximately 30% of the total market share. Their dominance is attributed to factors including strong brand reputation, technological innovations, reliability, and high customer satisfaction, cementing their status as preferred manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.
 

TE Connectivity is revolutionizing the circular connector market by designing and manufacturing connectors that meet the rigorous demands of industries including aerospace, defence, and industrial automation. Their circular connectors are engineered for superior performance in extreme environments, offering features including high durability, resistance to shock and vibration, and protection against environmental factors. TE Connectivity's commitment to innovation is evident in their development of connectors that support emerging technologies, including those required for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
 

Circular Connector Market Companies

• Amphenol, a U.S.-based with USD 15.2 billion revenue in 2024, ranks second globally in connector market share. Specializing in rugged circular connectors for aerospace, defense, and industrial use, it collaborated with an aerospace firm in 2024 to create lightweight satellite connectors, cutting weight by 15% and costs by 25%. Acquisitions in high-speed interconnects bolster their dominance.
   
• Aptiv, headquartered in Ireland with USD 19.7 billion revenue in 2024, leads in automotive technology. Its circular connectors drive vehicle electrification, notably in EVs and autonomous systems. In 2024, a partnership with a European automaker on HEVs boosted charging efficiency by 25% and cut CO2 emissions by 15%, reinforcing its role in sustainable mobility.
   

Some of the major key players operating across the circular connector market are:

• 3M
• Ametek
• Amphenol
• Aptiv
• AVX
• Fischer Connectors
• Foxconn
• GTK
• Hirose Electric
• Japan Aviation Electronics
• Lapp Group
• Luxshare Precision
• Mencom
• Molex
• Phoenix Contact
• Rosenberger
• TE Connectivity
• Yazaki
   

Circular Connector Industry News

• In January 2024, Molex formed a partnership with a global robotics manufacturer to supply circular connectors for next-generation industrial automation systems. These connectors, designed for high-speed data and power transmission, delivered a 30% increase in robotic operational efficiency and a 20% reduction in energy consumption, reinforcing Molex's role in supporting cutting-edge automation technologies.
   
• In September 2024, Aptiv teamed up with a European automaker to integrate circular connectors into a new line of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Optimized for high-voltage applications, these connectors improved charging efficiency by 25% and reduced CO2 emissions by 15% through advanced power management systems, showcasing Aptiv's commitment to sustainable automotive solutions.
   
• In March 2023, TE Connectivity expanded its global presence by opening a new Research and Development (R&D) center in Bangalore, India. This state-of-the-art facility focuses on developing innovative connectivity solutions, particularly targeting emerging technologies including 5G networks and renewable energy systems. The expansion highlights TE Connectivity's ongoing investment in the circular connector industry to meet growing demand in high-tech industries.
   
• In June 2023, Amphenol increased its capabilities in the circular connector market with a strategic acquisition. The company acquired a leading firm specializing in high-speed interconnects, enhancing its product offerings and strengthening its position in advanced connectivity technologies. This acquisition aligns with Amphenol's long-term strategy to expand its technological expertise and market reach.
   

This circular connector market research report includes an in–depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in ‘million units’ and revenue in ‘USD billion’ from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By End Use,

• Telecom
• Transportation
• Automotive
• Industrial
• Computer & peripherals
• Military
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • UK
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina