The Chinese steel pipe industry is witnessing structural demand shifts in 2025, driven by infrastructure upgrading, new energy boom, and industrial automation. Data from authoritative reports reveals how threaded, hydraulic, and seamless pipe segments are adapting to market dynamics.
Threaded Pipes: Infrastructure & New Energy Double-Drive
Infrastructure megaprojects are fueling high-end threaded pipe demand. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s cross-sea channel cluster and Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle’s underground utility tunnels will release 1.24 million tons of premium threaded pipe demand in 2025 . Notably, smart utility tunnel projects (37% of new PPP projects in 2024) require 600MPa+ pressure-resistant pipes, pushing market value growth by 23% despite a 5.7% volume dip .
New energy sectors are emerging as key drivers. Wind power alone contributes 1.11 million tons of demand, with offshore wind projects boosting duplex stainless steel threaded pipe penetration to 35% . Galvanized parallel thread pipes, compliant with ISO 228-1 standards, are gaining traction in photovoltaic bracket piles due to their corrosion resistance, as global PV installations are set to hit 260GW in 2025 . BSPP threaded pipes, favored for their sealing reliability, are seeing rising adoption in hydrogen storage systems, with 20,000 tons of demand from China’s hydrogen sector .
Hydraulic Pipes: Low-Pressure Segment Takes Off
The hydraulic pipe market is shifting toward low-pressure variants, driven by industrial automation and agricultural modernization. Low-pressure hydraulic pipes now dominate 42% of the sector, catering to smart manufacturing equipment and precision agricultural machinery . Global demand for hydraulic control pipelines is projected to grow steadily, with China’s industrial robot boom (22% annual growth) and new energy vehicle production (45% of global share) acting as key catalysts .
Environmental regulations are accelerating upgrades: 68% of manufacturers have switched to lead-free low-pressure hydraulic pipes to meet EU REACH standards, enhancing export competitiveness to Southeast Asian and African markets .
Seamless Pipes: High-End Export & Domestic Demand Surge
ASTM A106 seamless pipes, critical for oil and gas infrastructure, are experiencing robust demand. Tianjin Pipe’s recent delivery of high-performance seamless pipes to Qatar’s offshore oil projects underscores China’s capability in premium segments . Domestically, the "Modern Infrastructure System Plan" drives demand for seamless pipes in gas storage and deep tunnel projects, with 2025 consumption expected to reach 24.2 million tons .
Europe’s stringent standards are shaping product upgrades: European standard pipe fittings paired with ASTM A106 seamless pipes now account for 30% of China’s seamless pipe exports to the EU, up from 18% in 2024 .
2025 Outlook: Quality Over Quantity
The industry is transitioning from volume expansion to value growth, with high-end products (≥600MPa, corrosion-resistant, standard-compliant) capturing 30% of the 1.2-trillion-yuan market . For stakeholders, aligning with standards like ISO 228-1 and ASTM A106, and focusing on new energy and infrastructure niches will be pivotal.
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