Overall Steel Pipe Export Trends in 2026

With the gradual recovery of the global economy and growing demand for infrastructure construction, China's steel pipe exports are expected to show steady and positive development in 2026. According to industry analysis, after the adjustment period of 2024-2025, China's steel pipe exports are projected to achieve moderate growth in 2026, with an estimated annual export volume reaching 8.5-9 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 3-5%.

This trend is primarily driven by the following factors:

1. Continued advancement of Belt and Road projects, generating stable demand for energy pipelines and infrastructure construction in participating countries

2. Accelerated global energy transition, increasing demand for oil and gas pipelines and new energy transmission pipelines

3. Upgrading of China's steel pipe industry, with continuous improvement in product quality and international competitiveness

4. Supply chain diversification trends, maintaining China's position as a major global supplier of steel pipes

Specialized Analysis of Alloy Steel Pipe A335 Exports

A335 alloy steel pipes, as critical materials for high-temperature and high-pressure environments, are indispensable in power plant boilers, petrochemical industries, nuclear power, and other fields. Their exports in 2026 are expected to exhibit the following characteristics:

Export Volume Forecast:

• A335 alloy steel pipe exports are projected to reach 350,000-400,000 tons in 2026, a year-on-year increase of 6-8%

• Main growth drivers include energy projects in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America

Price Trends:

• Influenced by fluctuations in alloy element prices (particularly chromium and molybdenum), the average export price of A335 is expected to remain within the range of $1,800-$2,200 per ton

• High-value-added products (such as P91/P92 grades) may see price increases of 5-10%

Major Export Markets:

1. Middle East (approximately 30% of total exports): Oil and gas projects and power plant construction in Saudi Arabia and UAE

2. Southeast Asia (approximately 25%): Coal-fired power plants and petrochemical projects in Vietnam and Indonesia

3. Latin America (approximately 15%): Energy infrastructure in Mexico and Brazil

4. CIS countries (approximately 10%): Pipeline renewal projects in Russia and Central Asian countries

Competitive Advantages:

• Chinese A335 pipes have obtained multiple international certifications including API, ASTM, and EN

• Significant production cost advantages, with prices 15-25% lower than comparable products from Europe and America

• Stable delivery cycles and well-established industrial chain support

Challenges and Responses:

• Trade Barriers: Need to monitor potential "carbon tariffs" and technical trade measures that may be imposed by Europe and America

• International Competition: Increased price competition from Indian and Korean companies in mid-to-low-end markets

• Response Strategies: Increase R&D in high-end products, enhance the proportion of high-performance materials like P91/P92; strengthen overseas certification and localization services

Policy and Environmental Impacts

1. Green Manufacturing Requirements: Chinese steel pipe enterprises need to accelerate low-carbon transformation to meet international environmental standards

2. Export Tax Rebate Policies: Export tax rebate policies for alloy steel pipes are expected to remain stable, supporting the export of high-tech content products

3. International Standard Alignment: Strengthen mutual recognition between ASTM A335 and domestic standards to reduce technical barriers to exports

2026 will be a crucial year for the high-quality development of China's steel pipe exports. A335 alloy steel pipes, as technology-intensive products, are expected to become an important driving force in the upgrade of China's steel pipe export structure. Enterprises should focus on the following directions:

• Strengthen technological innovation and transition toward high-alloy, high-performance products

• Deepen market diversification and explore emerging markets in Africa and Central Asia

• Establish overseas warehousing and service centers to enhance after-sales support capabilities

• Pay attention to ESG requirements and build green supply chains

By enhancing product added value and brand influence, China's A335 alloy steel pipes are expected to occupy a more significant position in the global high-end steel pipe market.