Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Actuators
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence

Smarter cost management starts with comprehensive market intelligence

United States Market Intelligence Reports United States
Global Market Intelligence Reports Global

Quick Navigation


Actuators Global Overview

Definition

Summary

An actuator is a type of motor for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. These motors can be divided into four different types depending on how they are powered: hydraulic (liquid pressure), pneumatic (air pressure), electric or mechanical. Actuators have applications in a number of different industries, such as heavy machinery and industrial equipment manufacturing, aerospace and automobile production.

This Report Includes:

  • Hydraulic Actuators
  • Pneumatic Actuators
  • Electric Actuators
  • Mechanical Actuators

Not in this Report:

  • Electric Motors
  • Control Valves

Take the ProcurementIQ products and data tour

Explore live samples of price trend forecasts, price driver projections, forward-looking cost structure data and more.

Global Actuators Procurement Trends

Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Actuators market.

Warning Trends


Manufacturing component prices to rise in response to elevated tariffs

  • The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs, which apply broad tariffs to all imports from most nations, are set to take effect on August 7 after the rates were finalized on August 1.
  • However, these tariff increases exempt steel and aluminum products, which already face a flat tariff rate of 50.0% regardless of source country, except for the United Kingdom, as of mid-June.
  • The tariffs on steel and aluminum are set to increase domestic prices for these metals by 37.6%, translating to similar price increases for manufacturing components made from these materials, such as springs, non-electric wire and cable, or fasteners.
  • Nonmetallic manufacturing components, such as those made from plastic and other materials, are likely to see significant price increases when the reciprocal tariffs go into effect, with the Yale Budget Lab projecting an 11.0% average price increase for plastic and rubber goods.
  • As tariff policy continues to evolve, this story will be continuously updated to reflect the impacts.

United States announces new tariffs on all imported steel

  • In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on all imported steel with no exemptions or exceptions. The tariffs took effect on March 12, 2025. On June 4th, these tariffs were increased further to 50%. These tariffs were not impacted by a recent court decision that temporarily suspended duties on certain goods as they were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
  • Previously, countries such as Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, the top exporters of steel to the United States, had exemptions from tariffs. These have now been removed and all imported steel, regardless of origin, will be subject to the 50.0% tariff. However, on May 8th, the US announced an agreement with the United Kingdom to remove all levies on steel exported from the UK.
  • When tariffs on steel imports were introduced in March 2018, they contributed to an increase in the price of steel and steel products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of steel-milled products increased by 10.2% in the year after the tariffs were implemented. This market heavily relies on steel as an input and may be impacted by this policy.

Global Actuators Market - Suppliers by Region

Country/Region Number of Suppliers
#1 China 2,460
#2 Europe 2,360
#3 United States 890

Explore supplier concentration across the globe

We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.

  • Canada
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Latin America
  • South America
  • India
  • China
  • Europe
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Australi & New Zealand
  • Oceania & Southeast Asia

Geography Drilldown - US

Average Cost of Actuators

United States

2026 Market Pricing
$20.00 to $X,XXX.XX
per unit

Average Price

Prices in the Actuators market range from $20.00 to $X,XXX.XX, depending on Power Source, Performance Measurements, Quality of Materials and Energy Efficiency. For example, lower prices are associated with Hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical power source ($250 to $1,500 per unit), whereas higher prices are associated with Electrical power source ($500 to $10,000 per unit).

Need the scoop on international price trends?

Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.

Actuators Category Price Trends

Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Actuators market, prices in the US have grown 2.5% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more

United States (2022-2025)

2.5%
Compound Annual Growth Rate
United States (2025-2028)

Compound Annual Growth Rate

Purchase a ProcurementIQ subscription to access this information. Learn more

Wondering where prices are heading?

Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.

Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Actuators

Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Actuators market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Lost Orders may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.

Negotiated Before

Implementation

Some suppliers may charge an implementation fee that can raise costs for buyers. This can be charged by a professional entering the buyer's place of business to implement the actuator.

Billed During

Maintenance

Basic actuators, such as those powered by air, liquid, or mechanical components, will require periodic maintenance. Buyers can expect this maintenance to include replacing individual parts such as valves, springs, and bolts.

Additional Fees

For buyers purchasing pneumatic actuators, compressed air must be purchased in addition to the benchmark price of the actuator itself to power the device.

Warranties

Electric actuators typically have more robust warranties due to the complex nature of their design. As electric actuators have higher up-front costs, buyers may purchase stronger warranties for these products, increasing the total cost of ownership.

Unforeseen

Lost Orders

In rare cases, orders are lost which can cause losses in revenue for buyers if they have to wait to receive the replaced order. This can raise the total cost of ownership.

Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations

In 2026, buyer power amounts to -2.2 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more

United States

-2.2

Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future

Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now

  • Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
  • Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
  • Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components

Show me

Supply Chain Risk

The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as High, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:

1st

Tier Suppliers

  • Valve Manufacturers
  • Electrical Equipment Manufacturers
  • Plastic & Resin Manufacturers

2nd

Tier Suppliers

  • Screw, Nut & Bolt Manufacturers
  • Wire & Spring Manufacturers
  • Petroleum Refiners

Biggest Actuators Suppliers in the US by Revenue

The largest Actuators vendors by revenue in the US are Crane Co., Emerson Electric Co. and Parker-Hannifin Corporation. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more

Supplier Operational Size Headquarters Number of Employees Market Share (%) Market Share Performance (3yr trend) Total Revenue ($ million) Profit Level (%) Risk Level
Danaher Corporation Global WASHINGTON >10,000 10-15
Purchase a ProcurementIQ subscription to access this information. Learn more
Crane Co. Global WALTHAM 1,001-10,000 5-10
Honeywell International Inc. Global CHARLOTTE >10,000 < 5
Schlumberger Limited Global HOUSTON, TX >10,000 < 5
Abb Ltd Global Zurich >10,000 < 5
Parker-Hannifin Corporation Global CLEVELAND, OH >10,000 < 5
Emerson Electric Co. Global ST LOUIS, MO >10,000 < 5
Flowserve Corporation IRVING, TX >10,000 < 5
Pentair plc Global LONDON >10,000 < 5

Looking for a list of suppliers by country?

Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.

Profit Analysis

The average profit margin across vendors in the Actuators market is 11.1% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Purchases. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more

Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis

Supply chain risk in the market is high, as major inputs include metals such as steel, aluminum, brass, and copper, all of which have been experiencing extreme levels of volatility in recent periods due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Volatility in these input costs can lead to rapid, unexpected shifts in market prices.

Market share concentration is low, representing the fragmented nature of the market. There are nearly 900 suppliers operating in the United States, most of which are small-scale wholesalers, which increases buyers' ability to negotiate aggressively.

Average vendor risk in the market is low, as suppliers enjoy stable profit margins. Stability in vendor's profit margins reduces the likelihood of unexpected service disruptions due to bankruptcy or other financial issues.

The United States is a net importer of electric actuators, meaning it imports more than it exports. US buyers seeking to import electric actuators may need to assess the quality standards and production capacities of international manufacturers, with considerations like the expected lead times for delivery, quality and safety certifications, and the compatibility of the manufactured goods with US standards.

Supplier Information

Danaher Corporation

Danaher Corp. /DE/ is a global science and technology company providing solutions for the biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics markets. It organizes its business into three segments: the Biotechnology segment, which offers a broad range of tools, consumables, and services for research, development,... Subscribe to learn more

Crane Co.

Crane NXT Co. is a global provider of trusted technology solutions to secure, detect, and authenticate valuable assets. It organizes its business into two segments: the Crane Payment Innovations segment, which provides electronic equipment and associated software for payment verification and authentication... Subscribe to learn more

Abb Ltd

ABB Ltd. is a global technology company that offers comprehensive electrification, robotics, automation, and motion solutions, primarily serving the distribution utilities, renewables, and transport & infrastructure markets. It organizes its business into four segments: the Electrification segment, which Subscribe to learn more

Emerson Electric Co.

Emerson Electric Co. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services and other services (except public administration) sectors. The company's offerings include downhole instrumentation, welding machines, industrial refrigerators, auxiliary generators,... Subscribe to learn more

Flowserve Corporation

Flowserve Corporation is a manufacturer and aftermarket service provider of comprehensive flow control systems. Its product portfolio includes pumps, valves, seals, automation, and aftermarket services, such as installation, advanced diagnostics, repair, and retrofitting. It serves global infrastructure industries,... Subscribe to learn more

Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell International Inc. is a global technology and manufacturing company that designs, develops, produces, and markets consumer and industrial products. It organizes its business into four reportable business segments: the Aerospace segment, which supplies products, software, and services for aircraft;... Subscribe to learn more

Moog Inc.

Moog Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and systems integrator of precision motion and fluid controls and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. It designs, manufactures, and integrates defense components and motion-control systems for defense vehicle platforms, missile systems,... Subscribe to learn more

Parker-Hannifin Corporation

Parker-Hannifin Corporation is a motion and control technology company that designs, manufactures, and provides aftermarket support for highly engineered solutions for the global aerospace & defense, in-plant & industrial equipment, transportation, off-highway, energy, and HVAC & refrigeration markets. It... Subscribe to learn more

Pentair plc

Pentair plc is a water industrial manufacturing company. It organizes its business into three segments: the Flow segment, which designs, manufactures, and sells various fluid treatment and pump products and systems; the Water Solutions segment, which delivers water treatment products and systems, including... Subscribe to learn more

Accelerate the vendor selection process

Get a clear picture of the competition in a market and discover which vendors are best-suited for your sourcing needs. Our supplier profiles include hard-to-find financial ranges for private companies, cover public company data and feature an interactive competitor matrix.

Procurement Management KPIs for the Actuators Market

Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Response Time and Defect Density. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Quality and other factors.

KPI Level of Importance (1-5) Measurements Key Considerations
Average Response Time

Total number of inquiries

Total time to response

The average response time measures how quickly a supplier gets back to customers' inquiries and questions.

A poor average response time can lead to extended periods of downtime within a buyers' operations while awaiting a response.

Defect Density

Total number of products shipped

Total number of defective products per shipment

The defect density measures the number of defective products per shipment.

A high defect density can indicate poor quality of the suppliers' product and operations. A high defect density will also require replacements to be shipped, which can extend lead time further.

Purchase a ProcurementIQ subscription to access this information. Learn more

Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations

How can I gain leverage during negotiations?

Experience and Expertise

What other companies within my industry do you serve? How long have you been a supplier for them?

What are some similar clients you have serviced, along with dates and service periods?

Shipping

Could you provide the locations of your domestic and international distribution facilities?

What are your shipping rates to my facilities?

Customization

Is your company capable of producing and delivering this product as is, with little to no adjustments in terms of your equipment and operations?

If not, what additions or modifications to your equipment, staff or operations are necessary in order match our needs?

The ultimate prep for procurement negotations

View all 27 negotiation questions for this category when you subscribe.

Actuators RFP Guidelines

What should my RFP include?

Organizational Overview

Buyers should describe their operations (i.e., commercial, industrial, municipal, etc.), to help vendors understand their motion and better process requirements.

Buyers should provide a detailed description of their operational structure, including to whom vendors will report.

Statement Of Need

Buyers should list the type and number of actuators they require.

Buyers should provide a description of major project sites, as well as plans for future project sites and energy needs, if applicable.

Project Budget

Buyers should explicitly state the amount for the award.

Buyers should explain the schedule with which payments will be made.

The RFP process made easy

Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.

We display average pricing information, trends and market data.

Our Reports include:

  • Opportunity assessment
  • Market dynamics
  • Recent developments
  • Positive and warning trends
  • Buyer power levers
  • Price environment and market pricing
  • Geographic wage rates
  • Global market updates
  • Total cost of ownership
  • Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
  • Supply chain and vendors
  • Global supplier breakdown
  • Market share concentration
  • Regulation and business requirements
  • Vendor management and KPIs
  • Sourcing strategy guidance