China's Tube or Pipe Fittings Market to Witness Steady Growth with +5.8% CAGR Forecasted - News and Statistics - IndexBox

Mar 05, 2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report: China - Tube Or Pipe Fittings (Of Iron Or Steel) - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.

Driven by increasing demand, the market for tube or pipe fittings in China is expected to see significant growth over the next decade, reaching a volume of 2.5M tons and a value of $8.4B by 2035.

Driven by increasing demand for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in China, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +5.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 2.5M tons by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +6.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $8.4B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

In 2024, consumption of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) decreased by -10.5% to 1.3M tons, falling for the second year in a row after five years of growth. Overall, the total consumption indicated a noticeable increase from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -19.6% against 2022 indices. Iron or steel tube fitting consumption peaked at 1.7M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The value of the market for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in China fell to $4.2B in 2024, with a decrease of -9.7% against 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). In general, the total consumption indicated a perceptible expansion from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -20.3% against 2022 indices. Iron or steel tube fitting consumption peaked at $5.3B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

In 2024, iron or steel tube fitting production in China expanded slightly to 3M tons, surging by 1.9% against the previous year. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 76% against the previous year. Iron or steel tube fitting production peaked at 3.1M tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting production totaled $9.9B in 2024 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $10.2B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2024, after three years of decline, there was growth in purchases abroad of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel), when their volume increased by 1.8% to 23K tons. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 41%. As a result, imports attained the peak of 58K tons. From 2017 to 2024, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting imports expanded slightly to $834M in 2024. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $977M in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

South Korea (4.1K tons), Japan (4K tons) and Italy (3.6K tons) were the main suppliers of iron or steel tube fitting imports to China, with a combined 53% share of total imports. Germany, the United States, Taiwan (Chinese), France, Thailand, Belgium, India, Austria and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

From 2013 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for Belgium (with a CAGR of +20.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest iron or steel tube fitting suppliers to China were the United States ($138M), South Korea ($116M) and Japan ($109M), together accounting for 45% of total imports. Germany, Italy, France, Taiwan (Chinese), Austria, Thailand, India, Belgium and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.

Among the main suppliers, Belgium, with a CAGR of +18.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (6.6K tons), tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (3.7K tons) and tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel (3.3K tons) were the main products of iron or steel tube fitting imports to China, together comprising 60% of total imports.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (with a CAGR of +1.6%), while purchases for the other products experienced a decline.

In value terms, tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($404M) constituted the largest type of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) supplied to China, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($128M), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel, with a 6.7% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings imports amounted to +7.5%. With regard to the other supplied products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (-5.8% per year) and tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel (-0.0% per year).

The average import price for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) stood at $36,769 per ton in 2024, rising by 2.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 65% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplied products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($109,183 per ton), while the price for tube or pipe fittings of non-malleable cast iron ($8,886 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by tube or pipe butt welding fittings of stainless steel (+6.8%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average import price for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) stood at $35,766 per ton in 2023, surging by 15% against the previous year. Overall, the import price posted resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 65% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2023 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($90,676 per ton), while the price for Belgium ($16,760 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+15.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2024, shipments abroad of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) increased by 14% to 1.7M tons, rising for the third consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 238%. The exports peaked at 1.7M tons in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.

In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting exports declined to $4.4B in 2024. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 21%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $5.8B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.

The United States (160K tons), South Korea (101K tons) and Russia (77K tons) were the main destinations of iron or steel tube fitting exports from China, with a combined 22% share of total exports. Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan (Chinese), Italy, Malaysia and Germany lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.

From 2013 to 2023, the biggest increases were recorded for India (with a CAGR of +9.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($589M) remains the key foreign market for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) exports from China, comprising 13% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Japan ($285M), with a 6.2% share of total exports. It was followed by South Korea, with a 5.7% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States amounted to -4.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (-0.8% per year) and South Korea (+0.8% per year).

Tube or pipe flanges, other than stainless steel (484K tons), tube or pipe fittings of non-malleable cast iron (318K tons) and tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel (274K tons) were the main products of iron or steel tube fitting exports from China, together comprising 62% of total exports. Tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings, iron or steel cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron, tube or pipe flanges of stainless steel, tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves, other than stainless steel, tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings, tube or pipe butt welding fittings of stainless steel and tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves of stainless steel lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 38%.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the major product types, was attained by tube or pipe butt welding fittings of stainless steel (with a CAGR of +8.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, tube or pipe flanges, other than stainless steel ($718M), tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($716M) and tube or pipe fittings of non-malleable cast iron ($637M) constituted the most exported types of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) from China worldwide, with a combined 47% share of total exports. Iron or steel cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron, tube or pipe flanges of stainless steel, tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings, tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel, tube or pipe butt welding fittings of stainless steel, tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves, other than stainless steel and tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves of stainless steel lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 53%.

Among the main product categories, tube or pipe butt welding fittings of stainless steel, with a CAGR of +6.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average export price for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) stood at $2,576 per ton in 2024, falling by -15.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 189% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $7,617 per ton. From 2017 to 2024, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major types of exported product. In 2024, the product with the highest price was tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel, other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($9,875 per ton), while the average price for exports of tube or pipe butt welding fittings, other than stainless steel ($1,475 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves, other than stainless steel (+1.5%), while the prices for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average export price for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) stood at $3,059 per ton in 2023, shrinking by -22.9% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw mild growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 189% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $7,617 per ton. From 2017 to 2023, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($4,918 per ton), while the average price for exports to South Korea ($2,623 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Malaysia (+5.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for iron or steel tube fitting in China. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

A Quick Overview of Market Performance

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

The Largest Import Supplying Countries

The Largest Destinations for Exports

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles