The Global Market for Pipes and Pipe/Hose Fittings is Projected to Reach US$320 Billion by 2020

Growing Infrastructure Needs in Developing Countries Spurs Demand for Pipes & Pipe/Hose Fittings, According to a New Report Update by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Pipes and Pipe/Hose Fittings. The global market for Pipes and Pipe/Hose Fittings is projected to reach US$320 billion by 2020, driven by the growing focus on infrastructure development in developing countries.

Pipes are of critical economic importance as they form the structural foundation of water, fuel and gas distribution infrastructure. Pipes and tubes also find use in other numerous applications that involve movement of fluid within a closed loop, such as, in hot water heating systems, and air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The global market for pipes is therefore influenced by economic dynamics of residential/non-residential construction, agricultural spending, highway spending, natural gas exploration, and consumer goods manufacture.

The oil & gas industry represents one of the key application areas with growth supported by the growing pipeline networks for fuel transport. Escalating world demand for fuel and energy is creating a rapid expansion in pipeline transportation operations. Pipelines are increasingly being used to transport refined petroleum products including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oil and kerosene from major supply sources to places of consumption. The market, therefore, is expected to receive a boost from expanding oil & natural gas exploration, drilling and production activities. Demand for high-end seamless pipes is forecast to grow strongly due to the surge in unconventional drilling procedures such as horizontal drilling. The robust growth of the energy and petrochemical markets in Asia and the Middle East especially bodes well for manufacturers of steel pipes and tubes, since distribution of oil and natural gas requires steel pipelines. OCTG (oil country tubular goods) and line pipes are therefore expected to witness strong demand in both experimental and developmental drilling projects.

The market is expected to benefit from the development of lead-free pipes as a result of the growing pressure to adopt environment friendly products. Eco-friendly friendly pipes are forecast to cannibalize demand for conventional PVC pipes. The green building trend is additionally driving opportunities for eco-friendly pipes and pipe/hose fittings. Construction activity in countries such as India and China is driven by rising GDP, growing population, increasing disposable income, expanding base of middle class population, availability of capital and natural resources, and rapid urbanization. Growth in infrastructure construction is supported by the government focus on providing connectivity and public distribution networks such as communications, power, water and sewage.

As stated by the new market research report on Pipes and Pipe/Hose Fittings, Asia-Pacific represents the largest and the fastest growing market worldwide. Growth in the region is led by increased investments in high pressure, underground transmission lines for oil and gas. Both China and India have been investing significantly in expanding their infrastructure in order to gain a competitive advantage and support their burgeoning economy and population. These countries are actively investing in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) for encouraging industrial activity, which in turn is driving strong industrial construction activity. Technology advancements in manufacturing processes as well in material engineering are enabling plastics to replace conventional steel pipes. Multilayer plastic pipes (MP) designed to provide an effective barrier and improve diffusion tightness, have gained acceptance over the years. Demand for plastic pipes is also expected to be driven by their growing use in the installation of marine and mining pipelines. In addition, the adoption of trenchless installation of pipelines offers lucrative opportunities for the growth of large diameter plastic pipes.

Major players in the market include Advanced Drainage Systems Inc., Aliaxis SA, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, Arcelor Mittal, CertainTeed Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Europipe GmbH, Evraz Inc., JM Eagle Company Inc., Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, North American Pipe Corp., Pipelife International GmbH, Tenaris Group, Confab Industrial SA, Tessenderlo Group, Tigre SA, US Steel Corp. and Wavin N.V among others.

The research report titled “Pipes and Pipe/Hose Fittings: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, company profiles, and strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections for all major geographic markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East/Africa, and Latin America (Brazil and Rest of Latin America). Segments analyzed include Pipes (Concrete, Polyethylene, PVC, Steel and Other Pipes) and Pipe and Hose Fittings (Metal Flanges and Unions, Hydraulic Couplings and Other Fittings).