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Through Hole Connectors Market

The market for Through Hole Connectors was estimated at $5.5 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $8.4 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $12.0 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1202206
Author:Chandra Mohan - Sr. Industry Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Semiconductors & Electronics
Electrical & Electronics
Through Hole Connectors
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Report Summary
Market Data
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Table of Contents

Global Through Hole Connectors Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$5.5B

Forecast, 2034

$11.1B

CAGR, 2025 - 2034

7.4%

The Through Hole Connectors industry revenue is expected to be around $5.9 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 7.4% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Building on this steady growth trajectory, the through hole connectors market continues to play a critical role in ensuring reliability and durability across a wide range of electronic applications. Their relevance is reinforced by increasing demand for robust interconnection solutions in industries such as automotive, industrial automation, aerospace, and telecommunications. Key driving factors include the need for strong mechanical bonding in high-vibration environments, rising adoption of power electronics, and expanding use of complex circuit assemblies. Additionally, the growth of electric vehicles and industrial control systems is further strengthening demand for dependable connector technologies. Manufacturers are also focusing on improving performance standards, material quality, and production efficiency to meet evolving industry requirements.

Through hole connectors are electronic components designed to be mounted by inserting their leads into pre-drilled holes on printed circuit boards and soldering them in place. This method provides superior mechanical strength and reliable electrical connections compared to surface-mount alternatives, making them ideal for applications exposed to stress and harsh conditions. These connectors are widely used in automotive electronics, aerospace systems, power supplies, and industrial machinery. Key features include high durability, strong retention, and excellent current carrying capacity. Recent trends driving demand include the increasing complexity of electronic systems, the need for high-reliability interconnects, and the integration of connectors in advanced power and control modules.

Through Hole Connectors market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034
Through Hole Connectors Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Through Hole Connectors market is projected to grow from $5.5 billion in 2024 to $11.1 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 7.4%, reflecting rising demand across Telecommunications, Automotive Electronics, and Industrial Machinery.

  • TE Connectivity, Amphenol Corporation, Molex Incorporated are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and China are the top markets within the Through Hole Connectors market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.8% to 7.1% between 2024 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.5% to 10.2%.

  • Transition like Shift from traditional bulky connectors to hybrid miniaturized interconnect solutions is expected to add $723 million to the Through Hole Connectors market growth by 2030.

  • The Through Hole Connectors market is set to add $5.7 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Automotive & Aerospace Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    rising demand in electronics manufacturing, and

    Advancements in Automotive Technology, Through Hole Connectors market to expand 104% between 2024 and 2034.

through hole connectors market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Through Hole Connectors - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Through Hole Connectors

The aerospace and defense sectors present a significant opportunity for through hole connectors due to their need for highly reliable and durable components. Applications such as avionics systems, radar equipment, and military communication devices require connectors that can withstand extreme conditions, including vibration and temperature fluctuations. Through hole connectors, especially ruggedized and high performance variants, are widely used in these environments. Growth is also strongest in North America and Europe, where defense spending is increasing, driving demand for advanced electronic systems and supporting long term market expansion.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

North America represents a mature but steadily growing market for through hole connectors, driven by strong demand from aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial automation sectors. The United States leads the region, with a focus on high-reliability electronic systems and advanced manufacturing technologies. Key drivers include increasing investments in defense electronics, growth in electric vehicle infrastructure, and the modernization of industrial equipment. Top opportunities are emerging in ruggedized connectors for aerospace applications and high-performance connectors for automation systems. The competitive environment is dominated by established global players with strong technological capabilities and extensive distribution networks. Companies compete through product innovation, customization, and compliance with stringent quality standards, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for premium and specialized connector solutions.
Asia Pacific dominates the through hole connectors market due to its strong electronics manufacturing base and rapid industrialization. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are key contributors, supported by large-scale production of consumer electronics, automotive components, and industrial equipment. Major drivers include the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing, growth in telecommunications infrastructure, and increasing adoption of automation in factories. Top opportunities lie in high-power connectors for EVs and industrial-grade connectors for machinery and control systems. The competitive landscape is highly fragmented, with a mix of global connector manufacturers and cost-competitive regional players. Local suppliers often compete on pricing and volume production, while international companies focus on quality, reliability, and advanced product design. This dynamic competition is accelerating innovation and supporting widespread adoption across diverse applications.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising demand for high reliability electronics and growth in automotive electrification

The increasing demand for high reliability electronic components across critical industries is also a major driver for through hole connectors. Sectors such as aerospace, industrial automation, and telecommunications require connectors that can also withstand mechanical stress, vibration, and harsh operating conditions, making through hole technology highly relevant. At the same time, the rapid growth of automotive electrification is also further accelerating demand. Electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems rely on stable power and signal connections, where through hole connectors provide superior durability. Together, these factors are also encouraging manufacturers to develop robust connector designs with enhanced current carrying capacity and long-term performance, supporting sustained market expansion.
The growing adoption of industrial automation is also significantly driving demand for through hole connectors in control systems and machinery. Modern manufacturing environments require reliable electrical connections that can also operate continuously under demanding conditions. Through hole connectors are also preferred for their strong mechanical bonding and resistance to environmental stress, making them ideal for automated production lines and heavy equipment. A key trend is also the integration of smart manufacturing technologies, where consistent connectivity is also essential for system efficiency. This is also pushing demand for high quality connectors that support uninterrupted operations, reinforcing their importance in industrial applications.
02

Restraint: Growing preference for compact SMT connectors and miniaturization limiting adoption scope

A key restraint in the through hole connectors market is the increasing shift toward surface mount technology driven by the need for compact and lightweight electronic designs. Modern consumer electronics and advanced devices prioritize miniaturization, where SMT connectors offer smaller footprints and easier automated assembly. This trend reduces demand for through hole connectors, particularly in high-volume electronics manufacturing. For example, smartphone and wearable device manufacturers are replacing through hole solutions with SMT alternatives, directly impacting market revenue and limiting expansion into next-generation applications that emphasize space efficiency.
03

Opportunity: Growing industrial automation adoption in emerging economies boosting connector usage and Expanding electric vehicle production increasing demand for high power connectors

Increasing industrial automation in emerging economies such as India, Vietnam, and Brazil is opening new growth avenues for through hole connectors. Manufacturing facilities are investing in automated machinery and control systems that require robust and long lasting electrical connections. Industrial grade through hole connectors, including screw terminals and headers, are widely preferred for their reliability in harsh environments. This trend is particularly strong in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and process industries, where consistent performance is essential. As industrial infrastructure expands, demand for durable connector solutions is expected to rise steadily.
The rapid growth of electric vehicle manufacturing is creating strong opportunities for through hole connectors in high power applications. These vehicles require reliable connectors for battery systems, power distribution units, and control modules, where mechanical strength and thermal stability are critical. Through hole power connectors and terminal blocks are expected to see the highest demand due to their durability under vibration and high current loads. Regions such as China, Europe, and North America are leading this trend, encouraging suppliers to develop specialized connectors for next generation automotive electronics.
04

Challenge: Higher production costs and slower assembly processes reducing competitiveness in mass manufacturing

Through hole connectors face significant challenges due to higher production costs and slower assembly speeds compared to automated SMT processes. The need for drilled PCBs and manual or semi-automated insertion increases labor and operational expenses, making them less attractive for cost-sensitive, high-volume production environments. Additionally, manufacturers face pricing pressure while maintaining performance standards, which compresses profit margins and affects investment in innovation. For instance, electronics manufacturers often prefer faster, lower-cost assembly methods, reducing demand for through hole connectors and influencing overall market dynamics toward more efficient alternatives.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Raw Material Suppliers

Global Brass and Copper HoldingsAurubis AG
2

Component Manufacturers

TE ConnectivityAmphenol Corporation
3

Assembly & Testing Services

Foxconn Technology GroupJabil Inc
4

End Users

TelecommunicationsAerospace and DefenseAutomotive
Through Hole Connectors - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Through Hole Connectors in Telecommunications & Industrial Machinery

Telecommunications : Telecommunications is a key application area for through hole connectors, where reliability and signal integrity are essential for continuous data transmission. In this sector, pin headers, socket connectors, and backplane connectors are commonly used due to their strong mechanical stability and ability to handle repeated connections. These connectors are integrated into networking equipment such as routers, switches, and communication infrastructure to ensure secure electrical connections. Their durability makes them suitable for long-term deployment in high-performance systems. As telecom networks expand with 5G and fiber infrastructure, demand for robust through hole connectors continues to grow.
Automotive Electronics : Automotive electronics represent a rapidly expanding application segment, driven by increasing vehicle electrification and advanced electronic systems. Through hole connectors such as terminal blocks and power connectors are widely used in engine control units, battery management systems, and onboard electronics. Their ability to withstand vibration, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress makes them ideal for automotive environments. These connectors ensure stable power distribution and signal transmission, which is critical for safety and performance. With the rise of electric vehicles and connected car technologies, the need for reliable through hole connectors is becoming even more significant.
Industrial Machinery : Industrial machinery relies heavily on through hole connectors for dependable operation in harsh and demanding environments. Heavy duty connectors, including screw terminal connectors and industrial-grade headers, are commonly used to support power supply and control circuits in manufacturing equipment. These connectors provide strong physical anchoring and resistance to vibration, dust, and temperature variations. Their reliability reduces maintenance needs and ensures continuous operation in automated systems. As industries adopt advanced automation and smart manufacturing technologies, demand for durable and high-performance through hole connectors is steadily increasing across industrial applications.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Through Hole Connectors Market

As a core segment of the Electrical & Electronics industry, the Through Hole Connectors market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Shift from traditional bulky connectors to hybrid miniaturized interconnect solutions and Transition toward high reliability connectors for harsh environment industrial applications have redefined priorities across the Electrical & Electronics sector, influencing how the Through Hole Connectors market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Shift from traditional bulky connectors to hybrid miniaturized interconnect solutions

The through hole connectors industry is transitioning from conventional bulky designs to hybrid solutions that combine through hole strength with compact form factors. This shift is driven by the need to balance durability with space efficiency in modern electronics. For example, automotive control units and industrial devices are increasingly using hybrid connectors that integrate surface mount elements with through hole anchoring for added stability. This transition is influencing manufacturers to redesign product portfolios, enabling compatibility with high-density PCB layouts while maintaining mechanical reliability in demanding applications.
02

Transition toward high reliability connectors for harsh environment industrial applications

The market is moving toward specialized through hole connectors designed for harsh operating environments across industries such as aerospace, energy, and heavy machinery. These applications require connectors that can withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and continuous operation. For instance, industrial automation systems and power equipment are adopting ruggedized through hole connectors to ensure uninterrupted performance. This transition is driving innovation in materials and connector design, encouraging manufacturers to focus on long-life, high-performance solutions that meet stringent industry standards and support critical infrastructure applications.