Plastics Pipe And Pipe Fitting Market

The article discusses the expected growth in the global market for plastics pipes and pipe fittings, with consumption and value forecasted to increase over the next eight years. China is highlighted as the leading consumer and producer in this industry. The trends in consumption, production, exports, and imports are analyzed, showing fluctuations and growth rates over the past decade. The top importing and exporting countries are listed, along with the key types of plastics pipes and pipe fittings. Prices and growth rates are also examined, indicating an overall positive outlook for the market.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for plastics pipes and pipe fittings worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.3% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 34M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.3% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $188.1B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Plastic Pipe And Pipe Fitting

In 2022, approx. 28M tons of plastics pipes and pipe fittings were consumed worldwide; dropping by -1.6% compared with the previous year's figure. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Global consumption peaked at 29M tons in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

The value of the market for plastics pipes and pipe fittings worldwide fell modestly to $134.4B in 2022, flattening at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +1.6% against 2020 indices. Global consumption peaked at $135.6B in 2021, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Consumption By Country

The country with the largest volume of plastics pipe and pipe fitting consumption was China (5.9M tons), comprising approx. 21% of total volume. Moreover, plastics pipe and pipe fitting consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, the United States (2.2M tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by India (2.1M tons), with a 7.3% share.

In China, plastics pipe and pipe fitting consumption expanded at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United States (+2.6% per year) and India (+3.2% per year).

In value terms, Japan ($28.4B), China ($21.2B) and the United States ($12.3B) were the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2022, with a combined 46% share of the global market. Turkey, India, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Mexico, Germany, Pakistan, Russia and the UK lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.

In terms of the main consuming countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +9.4%, saw the highest growth rate of market size over the period under review, while market for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of plastics pipe and pipe fitting per capita consumption in 2022 were Turkey (9.3 kg per person), Japan (7.6 kg per person) and the UK (7 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +7.0%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Plastic Pipe And Pipe Fitting

In 2022, approx. 28M tons of plastics pipes and pipe fittings were produced worldwide; remaining constant against 2021. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 17%. Over the period under review, global production attained the maximum volume at 29M tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, plastics pipe and pipe fitting production shrank slightly to $136B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +3.1% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $159.4B in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Production By Country

The country with the largest volume of plastics pipe and pipe fitting production was China (6.4M tons), accounting for 23% of total volume. Moreover, plastics pipe and pipe fitting production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, India (2.1M tons), threefold. The United States (2M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 7.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China totaled +4.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: India (+3.3% per year) and the United States (+1.2% per year).

Imports

World Imports of Plastic Pipe And Pipe Fitting

In 2022, the amount of plastics pipes and pipe fittings imported worldwide fell modestly to 3.3M tons, with a decrease of -3.2% compared with the previous year's figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 17% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of 3.4M tons, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, plastics pipe and pipe fitting imports reached $17.3B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

The purchases of the twelve major importers of plastics pipes and pipe fittings, namely the United States, France, Germany, Iraq, Belgium, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Romania and Yemen, represented more than third of total import. Austria (55K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Yemen (with a CAGR of +24.5%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($1.6B), Germany ($1.4B) and France ($904M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 23% share of global imports. Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, Austria, Iraq, Romania, Saudi Arabia and Yemen lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

Yemen, with a CAGR of +20.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

The imports of the three major types of plastics pipes and pipe fittings, namely plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses, rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene and rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of vinyl chloride, represented more than two-thirds of total import. Rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers (394K tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of propylene (326K tons). All these products together held approx. 22% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main imported products, was attained by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene (with a CAGR of +5.0%), while imports for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses ($8.8B) constitutes the largest type of plastics pipes and pipe fittings imported worldwide, comprising 51% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was held by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene ($3B), with a 17% share of global imports. It was followed by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses imports amounted to +5.2%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene (+6.0% per year) and rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers (+3.1% per year).

Import Prices By Type

The average import price for plastics pipes and pipe fittings stood at $5,202 per ton in 2022, growing by 8.4% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major imported products. In 2022, the product with the highest price was plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses ($9,191 per ton), while the price for rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of vinyl chloride ($2,672 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by vinyl chloride polymer rigid pipes (+1.5%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average import price for plastics pipes and pipe fittings amounted to $5,202 per ton, with an increase of 8.4% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($10,280 per ton), while Yemen ($1,077 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+5.6%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Plastic Pipe And Pipe Fitting

Global plastics pipe and pipe fitting exports reduced modestly to 3.3M tons in 2022, approximately equating the year before. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 14%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 3.3M tons, leveling off in the following year.

In value terms, plastics pipe and pipe fitting exports rose modestly to $17.4B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 24% against the previous year. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports By Country

In 2022, China (468K tons), followed by Germany (307K tons), Italy (250K tons), Turkey (236K tons) and the United States (154K tons) represented the key exporters of plastics pipes and pipe fittings, together comprising 43% of total exports. The following exporters - Poland (145K tons), Spain (110K tons), the Netherlands (96K tons), Mexico (96K tons), Canada (72K tons), India (69K tons), the United Arab Emirates (52K tons) and Austria (52K tons) - together made up 21% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Mexico (with a CAGR of +23.2%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($2.4B), China ($2B) and the United States ($1.6B) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 35% share of global exports. Italy, Poland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Austria, Canada, Spain, Mexico, India and the United Arab Emirates lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 30%.

Among the main exporting countries, Mexico, with a CAGR of +16.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports By Type

In 2022, rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene (957K tons), rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of vinyl chloride (834K tons) and plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses (794K tons) was the major type of plastics pipes and pipe fittings in the world, generating 78% of total export. Rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of propylene (368K tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers (353K tons). All these products together held near 22% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exported products, was attained by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene (with a CAGR of +4.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses ($8.3B) remains the largest type of plastics pipes and pipe fittings supplied worldwide, comprising 48% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene ($3.1B), with an 18% share of global exports. It was followed by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers, with a 14% share.

For plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses, exports expanded at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the period from 2012-2022. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of ethylene (+4.9% per year) and rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers (+2.5% per year).

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average export price for plastics pipes and pipe fittings amounted to $5,287 per ton, increasing by 5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 9.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was plastic fittings for tubes, pipes and hoses ($10,432 per ton), while the average price for exports of rigid tubes, pipes and hoses of polymers of vinyl chloride ($2,647 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by rigid tubes, pipes and hoses, of other polymers (+2.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average export price for plastics pipes and pipe fittings stood at $5,287 per ton in 2022, surging by 5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 9.3%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($10,518 per ton), while Turkey ($2,635 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+6.7%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform