On August 22, 2026, Forward Industry Research Institute (IIM) released a report indicating that the global advanced metal 3D printing materials market is expected to reach $4.87 billion in 2026 (up from $3.62 billion in 2025), representing a 34.5% year-on-year growth. Among the material segments, titanium alloy powder leads with $1.94 billion, accounting for 39.8% of the market; nickel-based superalloy powder follows at $1.12 billion, aluminum alloy powder at $0.96 billion, and stainless steel powder at $0.63 billion. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to overtake North America for the first time as the largest consumer market, reaching $1.79 billion (+41.2%), with China contributing 68% of the region's shipment volume. Aerospace and medical implants together account for 62% of total metal powder consumption, while the energy sector is the fastest-growing segment at +52.3%. On the production side, plasma atomization and radio-frequency plasma spheroidization will represent 44% of 2026 production capacity, gradually replacing gas atomization. Patents for high-reflectivity metal powders (pure copper/tungsten) grew by 87% between 2025 and 2026. Key takeaways for powder buyers: ① The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, is becoming the largest consumer market, further amplifying the localization advantages of domestic powder suppliers; ② Titanium alloy powder remains the top category, but energy (+52.3%) and high-reflectivity metal powders (pure copper/tungsten) are the fastest-growing niche areas worth early investment; ③ With the rising share of plasma atomization/radio-frequency plasma spheroidization capacity, attention should be paid to supply dynamics for premium spherical powders during this process upgrading window.