Steel Tubes Market

Steel Tubes Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global steel tubes market is valued at USD 99.26 billion in 2025. As per Fact.MR analysis, the industry will grow at a CAGR of 2.1% and reach USD 122.19 billion by 2035.

In 2024, the steel tubes industry experienced measured progress, shaped by macroeconomic stabilization and sector-specific rebounds. Fact.MR analysis found that industrial output in construction and energy-intensive industries returned to near pre-pandemic rhythms, leading to a modest but steady increase in steel tube consumption.

Significantly, Southeast Asian and Latin American water infrastructure renewal programs were responsible for major procurement orders for carbon tubes. At the same time, the European automobile industry, forced to decarbonize, increased its move toward high-strength lightweight tubing for exhaust systems and structural use.

The oil and gas sector further consolidated its turnaround from first-decade disruptions to drive demand for seamless grades for utilization in transport as well as drilling pipes. Stainless tube sales have increased nominally in food processing and the pharma sectors, where sanitation standards remain top priority. Iron ore and energy input price fluctuations limited producers' margins everywhere, compelling numerous mid-range suppliers to localize sourcing practices.

During the forecast period, the industry will be held by a flat 2.1% CAGR through 2035. Decarbonization regulations, local infrastructure investments, and new developments in welding, as well as alloy treatments, will increasingly drive demand. The industry environment prefers innovation-driven companies focusing on durability, efficiency, and conformity with tight regulations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 99.26 Billion
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 122.19 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	2.1%

Fact.MR Survey Results for Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, end-users in the USA, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea)

A global survey conducted by Fact.MR, with 500 stakeholders across North America, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea, revealed critical trends shaping the industry. Regulation compliance for safety (86%) and product longevity (78%) were key concerns across all regions. Stakeholders in the USA noted automation-friendly tubes combined with monitoring technology, whereas Western European respondents noted green certification and low-carbon sourcing. Japanese and Korean respondents favored compact and modular tube designs for space-constrained infrastructure projects.

Technology uptake differed widely. The USA had a 62% uptake of digitally traceable products, and South Korea emphasized robotic QA systems. Japan trailed with a 25% uptake of advanced technology based on legacy system limitations. Although 72% of stakeholders remained attached to steel worldwide, Western Europe is increasingly moving towards greener solutions, and Asian stakeholders are inclined towards hybrid options for corrosion prevention.

Cost is still the top concern, with 89% pointing to raw material inflation. EU and USA stakeholders are receptive to premium prices for automation functions, whereas Japan and South Korea prefer lower-end models or leasing. The EU and the USA perceive them as forces of innovation, but Asia perceives little influence. Fact.MR recommends that regional strategies are critical to long-term growth in this fragmented environment.

Impact of Government Regulation

Countries	Regulatory Impact on Steel Tubes Industry
India	The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates ISI certification under IS 1239, IS 1161, IS 17875, and IS 17876. The 2025 Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes (Quality Control) Order prohibits the sale or import of stainless steel seamless tubes without BIS certification from August 1, 2025.
United States	Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, a 25% tariff is imposed on steel imports. The USA Department of Commerce also enforces anti-circumvention rules, especially for goods completed in Vietnam using Indian-origin steel.
European Union	The EU requires CE marking for items used in construction. Additionally, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) mandates emissions reporting for imported steel products starting in 2026.
United Kingdom	Since Brexit, the UK has mandated UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking for domestic access, replacing the EU's CE mark .
Japan	Japan enforces Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), which regulate dimensions, mechanical strength, and test methods. JIS certification is mandatory for both import and local manufacturing .
South Korea	Korea requires compliance with Korean Industrial Standards (KS), which cover mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and weld quality.

Market Analysis

The industry is entering a phase of stable, infrastructure-led growth, driven primarily by rising investments in energy, water systems, and transportation networks. Fact.MR analysis found that government-backed construction and clean energy initiatives are the primary demand accelerators, particularly in emerging industries. Manufacturers offering corrosion-resistant, high-durability solutions will gain a competitive advantage, while legacy producers failing to modernize operations may lose ground.

Top Strategic Imperatives, Risk Assessment, and Watchlist for Stakeholders

To remain competitive in the evolving industry, stakeholders must prioritize R&D investments in corrosion-resistant and high-durability alloy variants, particularly for infrastructure, energy, and water management sectors. Aligning product innovation with end-user expectations, especially on lifecycle cost efficiency and regulatory compliance, will be essential. Fact.MR analysis found that manufacturers who adapt quickly to sustainability mandates and evolving technical specifications will secure greater project volumes across the oil & gas and construction domains.

Expanding regional manufacturing capacity and accelerating distribution through channel partnerships will also offer a distinct edge. Strengthening domestic production hubs will not only reduce dependency on volatile global supply chains but also improve responsiveness to localized demand shifts.

Key risks to monitor include raw material price volatility (high probability, high impact), shifts in end-use technology requirements (medium likelihood, high impact), and geopolitical trade uncertainties (medium likelihood, medium impact). These threats could disrupt cost structures, project timelines, and competitiveness.

Immediate actions should include launching feasibility studies for sourcing key alloys like nickel and chrome from alternative suppliers, initiating structured OEM feedback loops to align with hybrid steel tube specifications, and deploying a pilot program to incentivize aftermarket channel partners, enhancing retention, expanding service revenues, and stabilizing distribution performance across priority growth regions.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead in the landscape, the client should immediately pivot toward high-performance, regulation-compliant product lines, especially corrosion-resistant alloys and seamless variants engineered for critical infrastructure, energy transport, and automotive applications. Fact.MR analysis suggests that the next growth wave will reward players who localize supply chains, embed end-user feedback into product design, and preemptively align with tightening ESG and durability standards.

This intelligence signals a roadmap shift from volume-based competition to value-led differentiation, where R&D, regional agility, and aftermarket strategy will be decisive levers. The client should initiate joint development programs with OEMs, recalibrate sourcing toward politically stable regions, and deploy a region-specific sales model to drive deeper penetration across infrastructure-rich, regulation-sensitive economies.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Material

The carbon steel tubes segment is expected to be the most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035. These tubes dominate global demand due to their robust performance across key sectors like construction, automotive, and energy infrastructure.

They are especially valued for their cost-efficiency, high tensile strength, and adaptability to a wide range of structural applications. With urbanization accelerating in emerging economies and infrastructure upgrades underway in mature economies, carbon steel tubes continue to be the go-to solution for mid-risk engineering needs. Their recyclability and regulatory compliance further support sustained demand at scale.

By Product

The seamless steel tubes segment is expected to be the most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035. These tubes are highly preferred in critical applications involving high pressure and temperature, such as oil drilling, power plants, petrochemical facilities, and aerospace systems.

Their structural integrity, without welded seams, ensures maximum strength, reliability, and resistance to deformation, making them essential in environments where failure is not an option. Demand is particularly strong in North America, China, and the Middle East due to expanding energy infrastructure, shale gas extraction, and high-spec industrial installations.

By End Use

The oil & gas segment is expected to be the most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035. This sector accounts for the highest usage globally, with seamless varieties being heavily deployed in casing, tubing, and pipeline systems.

The industry's reliance on high-strength and corrosion-resistant solutions is intensifying as exploration and production shift toward deeper wells and harsher environments. Rapid shale gas development, especially in the USA and China, along with rising global energy demand, solidifies this segment’s leadership in volume and revenue contribution across industrial applications.

Country-wise Insights

USA

In the USA, the industry is likely to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035. This growth reflects steady demand across key sectors such as oil & gas, automotive, and infrastructure. The United States has witnessed a strong resurgence in domestic manufacturing, particularly in high-strength tubing for pipelines, industrial construction, and heavy-duty transportation. Projects linked to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are fueling demand for corrosion-resistant solutions in water, gas, and energy systems.

Innovation in alloy compositions and process automation is also improving the competitiveness of USA-based manufacturers. Leading companies like Vallourec USA and Tenaris are expanding production capabilities to meet local standards, especially in energy applications requiring precision and durability. Shale gas extraction and wind turbine expansion are becoming high-growth pockets for tubular usage.

Furthermore, regulatory actions, including anti-dumping duties on steel imports, are promoting local sourcing. Coupled with a pro-manufacturing policy environment, this is strengthening the long-term viability of USA players in both welded and seamless product categories.

UK

UK’s sales are expected to register a CAGR of 1.8% in the assessment term. The industry continues to operate within a landscape shaped by decarbonization mandates and post-Brexit trade adjustments. Despite these headwinds, the country maintains a steady demand for tubing in the rehabilitation of public infrastructure, including gas pipelines and district heating systems. National efforts to shift to hydrogen-powered energy also create long-term opportunities.

The defense, aerospace, and engineering sectors remain significant contributors, demanding high-quality materials for structural and performance-critical components. In parallel, initiatives like the UK Infrastructure Bank are being channeled into projects requiring advanced tubular products, including stormwater systems and sustainable urban planning frameworks.

Domestic manufacturers, including Tata Steel UK, are responding to green transition pressures by exploring low-emission production. Investment in recycling technologies and electrified steelmaking processes could position the UK favorably in producing future-ready solutions for both domestic and export industries.

France

The industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 1.9% CAGR in France in the assessment period. France's energy transition strategy is playing a key role in shaping the demand outlook. Significant investment is flowing into nuclear facility maintenance and hydropower upgrades, which require high-performance tubular infrastructure. The country's modernization of its transport network, including metro and railway enhancements, also contributes to demand.

France’s automotive supply chain, one of the largest in Europe, relies on precision-engineered tubing for chassis and engine systems. Furthermore, government support for climate-aligned construction practices is boosting interest in recyclable and coated products, with a preference for EU-manufactured inputs to avoid carbon border adjustments.

Vallourec, headquartered in France, is leveraging its R&D strengths to serve the offshore oil and gas sectors with specialty solutions. Its expansion into hydrogen transport and geothermal drilling supports France’s broader decarbonization goals and sustains export momentum across EMEA regions.

Germany

In Germany, the landscape of the industry is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 2.2% from 2025 to 2035. Germany's leadership in manufacturing and renewable energy adoption is reinforcing its need for industrial-grade solutions. The country's emphasis on hydrogen networks, electric vehicle production, and rail electrification fuels the demand for precision tubing in both infrastructure and mobility sectors.

Key players like Salzgitter AG are pioneering hydrogen-reduced production, aligning with both national goals and EU climate policies. These innovations not only reduce emissions but also elevate Germany’s export appeal in value-added categories. Applications in wind turbines, electric motors, and pressure systems are growing steadily.

Additionally, Germany’s aging water and sewage networks, particularly in the east, are due for replacement, prompting increased spending on long-life welded products. While energy costs pose a constraint, high automation and engineering precision maintain the competitiveness of German manufacturers globally.

Italy

In Italy, the industry is projected to grow at a 2.0% CAGR during the forecast period. Italy benefits from a robust industrial base, particularly in the northern regions, where demand for welded products is strong across the construction, automotive, and furniture sectors. The segment is also gaining traction in water and waste treatment systems, supported by funding from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Italian manufacturers are globally recognized for quality and customization, especially in coated and galvanized varieties used in mechanical and structural applications. Earthquake-resistant construction practices are increasingly driving demand for structurally sound and durable products across Italy’s urban centers.

Energy infrastructure, including LNG and district heating, is being scaled up with public-private collaboration, further pushing tubular requirements. Although challenges such as energy costs and raw material price volatility remain, Italy’s SME-driven production model ensures adaptability and consistent export performance across Europe and North Africa.

South Korea

In South Korea, the sector is estimated to expand by a CAGR of 2.4% between 2025 and 2035. The industry is deeply integrated with the country’s industrial exports, especially shipbuilding, automotive, and electronics. Tubing is critical in ship structure, automotive frames, and offshore facilities- all areas where Korean firms are globally competitive.

The country is investing significantly in hydrogen pipeline networks and offshore wind farms, both of which require highly durable, corrosion-resistant materials. Major producers such as POSCO and Hyundai Steel are adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, including smart factories and AI-based quality controls, to elevate product consistency and operational efficiency.

Free trade zones and targeted R&D grants are encouraging partnerships in green steel and tubular innovation. In parallel, domestic construction and redevelopment projects are maintaining stable internal demand, particularly for welded and precision-cut products in residential and commercial building systems.

Japan

Japan’s sales are expected to develop at a CAGR of 2.1% during the period 2025 to 2035. The Japanese industry is anchored by its strength in automotive, industrial robotics, and precision medical devices. These industries require exacting standards of tubing, making the country a stronghold for high-spec demand. Products are also vital for earthquake-resilient architecture and offshore energy systems.

Public investment in hydrogen and offshore wind infrastructure is gradually increasing the volume deployed in new energy applications. The Japanese government is actively promoting EAF-based green production to cut emissions, with significant backing from the Green Innovation Fund.

Firms like Nippon Steel and JFE Holdings are innovating ultra-light, ultra-strong variants for export and domestic use. While new construction is modest due to Japan’s demographic maturity, retrofitting and disaster-proofing projects are preserving stable baseline demand, particularly in urban areas prone to seismic activity.

China

Industry in China is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2025 to 2035. China continues to dominate global production, underpinned by its vast industrial base and ambitious infrastructure rollout. Key sectors such as urban transit, energy pipelines, and green construction are expanding rapidly under the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

State-owned giants like Baosteel and Tianjin Pipe are enhancing automated capabilities to deliver high-specification products for both domestic and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Pipeline installations for natural gas, hydrogen, and district heating are expected to multiply in urban and peri-urban zones.

Despite ongoing concerns about overcapacity, China’s efficiency gains and low-cost advantage make it the top exporter of welded and seamless products. Environmental goals are also pushing firms to attain ISO and green steel certifications to meet stringent buyer standards in Europe, ASEAN, and the Middle East.

Australia-New Zealand

In New Zealand and Australia, the sector is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 2.0% within the assessment period. Large-scale infrastructure programs in energy, transport, and water utilities drive demand. In Australia, tubular products are central to renewable energy projects such as hydrogen hubs, solar plants, and offshore wind farms, where they serve as conduits and structural supports.

Projects like the Inland Rail and Snowy Hydro expansion are increasing demand for large-diameter welded variants with enhanced durability. In New Zealand, the government is pushing forward with infrastructure retrofitting and seismic-proof water networks, key demand generators for tubular usage.

Local producers are pivoting to low-emission steel using electric arc furnaces to meet climate commitments. Although the domestic manufacturing base is relatively small, trade ties with Southeast Asia and technology transfer agreements support access to advanced materials and process innovations, keeping the region competitive in high-quality niche segments.

Competitive Landscape

The steel tubes industry is moderately consolidated, led by globally integrated players such as Tenaris, ArcelorMittal, and Vallourec, alongside a dynamic base of regional manufacturers, especially across Asia-Pacific and Latin America. While the top-tier firms dominate seamless tube production for critical applications, smaller players maintain a foothold in cost-sensitive construction and general engineering sectors, intensifying competition in fragmented regional pockets.

Leading companies are focusing on product specialization, green steel innovation, and strategic capacity expansion to stay competitive. Seamless tube quality, corrosion resistance, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes have emerged as primary differentiators. Mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border partnerships are being leveraged to diversify portfolios and strengthen global footprints.

In 2024, Cleveland-Cliffs acquired Canadian steelmaker Stelco Holdings, reinforcing its leadership in flat-rolled steel and downstream tubular products across North America. Zekelman Industries, through its subsidiary Atlas Tube, committed USD 120 million to establish new galvanizing capabilities in Arkansas, expanding supply for construction-grade tubular products. In August 2024, ArcelorMittal acquired a 27.5% stake in Vallourec from Apollo Global Management for USD 955 million, signaling a strategic move into high-value seamless solutions for energy applications.

Competition Analysis

In 2025, Tenaris S.A. holds a commanding 12-15% global share, maintaining its leadership in the oil and gas segment, particularly in OCTG pipes. Its strategic USD 1.8 billion investment in Argentina is poised to enhance supply capabilities across Latin America. As global deepwater drilling activity expands and hydrogen infrastructure gains traction, Tenaris is expected to retain dominance through advanced hydrogen-compatible tube offerings despite rising competition from Vallourec.

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC), with an 8-10% share, remains a key force in APAC, excelling in automotive and industrial tubing. If its acquisition of USA Steel proceeds successfully, NSSMC could capture up to 15% of the North American landscape by 2035. Its pivot toward high-strength solutions for electric vehicles and renewables signals long-term positioning, though regulatory risks in the USA and EU could challenge expansion.

ArcelorMittal, currently holding 7-9%, is leveraging Europe’s green transition through increased investment in low-emission products. While this gives the company an edge under tightening carbon regulations, high decarbonization costs may strain profit margins unless offset by premium pricing strategies.

Tata Steel, with a 5-7% share, is benefiting from India’s infrastructure-led demand. However, operational setbacks in Europe, including UK site closures, may limit global expansion momentum. Vallourec S.A., controlling 6-8%, stands out in energy applications and is well-positioned for leadership in hydrogen-compatible tubes, supported by recent EU and Middle Eastern contracts. Its long-term growth will depend heavily on the pace and scope of energy transitions in core export destinations.

Other Key Players

• Nucor Corporation
• Jindal SAW Ltd.
• POSCO
• Gerdau
• Ansteel
• Bao Pipes and Tubes
• Jiaoyang Steel Tube Co., Ltd.
• Shagang Group
• Hebei Iron and Steel
• United States Steel Corporation (USSC)
• AK Pipes and Tubes
• ChelPipe Group
• EVRAZ North America
• Salzgitter AG

Steel Tubes Market Segmentation

• By Material:

  • Carbon Steel Tubes
  • Stainless Steel Tubes
  • Alloy Steel Tubes
  • Others

• By Product:

  • Seamless Steel Tubes
  • Welded Steel Tubes

• By End Use:

  • Oil & Gas
  • Mining
  • Petrochemicals
  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Others

• By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa