January 25, 2026 – Facing an Extended Production Hiatus

As January 2026 draws to a close, the global supply chain for seamless steel pipes, welded steel pipes, and hollow structural sections is entering a period of severe disruption. Contrary to the official holiday calendar, many manufacturing plants across Asia have begun or will begin their Lunar New Year shutdowns by the end of this week. This early and extended hiatus, coupled with the new export licensing regime, is creating unprecedented challenges for fulfilling urgent Q1 project orders.

Early and Extended Factory Shutdowns: The Core Challenge

The critical market news is the significant gap between the official holiday period and actual factory operations.

Early Stoppages: Numerous mills producing API 5L line pipe, ASTM A106 seamless pipes, and EN 10219 hollow sections are halting production lines in late January to allow workers to travel. This is effectively ending manufacturing for carbon steel pipes, alloy steel pipes, and structural pipes weeks ahead of the public holiday.

Prolonged Return: Workers are not expected to return to factories until late February or even early March. This means production of OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods), boiler tubes, mechanical tubing, and precision steel tubes will not resume until then, creating a de facto 4-6 week production blackout.

Urgent Order Crisis: This timeline critically jeopardizes the delivery of any steel pipe or tube orders that are not already physically produced and awaiting shipment. Procurement for projects with March or early April start dates is now at high risk.

Export Licensing: Compounding the Delay

The newly implemented export control system is exacerbating the logistical paralysis.

Processing Backlog: With offices also affected by the holiday exodus, license approvals for stainless steel seamless pipes (ASTM A312) and corrosion-resistant alloy pipes are slowing. This adds an administrative barrier on top of the physical production halt.

Documentation Imperative: For any available seamless or welded steel pipe stock, having perfect Mill Test Certificates (MTC) and Origin Certificates is non-negotiable for clearance. Any error will cause indefinite delays.

Q1 2026 Outlook: Constrained Supply and Rising Urgency

The market reality for the remainder of Q1 is now one of extreme supply tightness and potential project delays.

Vanishing Supply: Available spot stock of large-diameter pipes, piling pipe, and scaffolding pipe is dwindling rapidly. The market is shifting from "tight" to "empty" for many carbon steel and alloy steel products.

Price Pressure: The severe supply constriction is inevitably leading to price increases for remaining and future available material, especially for project-specific items like ASTM A335 P91 or duplex stainless steel pipes.

Demand Impact: While underlying demand from energy and infrastructure sectors remains, the inability to secure physical material will delay project timelines across the board.

Introducing Our Operational Continuity and Expanded Portfolio

In contrast to the widespread shutdown, our operations will continue until the statutory holiday period, providing a critical window for clients with urgent needs.

Extended Production Window: We are operating our facilities to the official schedule. This allows us to process urgent orders for seamless steel pipes, welded pipes, and square tubes that other suppliers cannot.

Dedicated Logistics: We are coordinating closely with freight partners to secure priority shipment for last-minute oil and gas pipeline and construction project materials before the port closures.

Comprehensive Product Solutions: We can support your urgent and Q2 needs with our full range, now including welded steel pipes and structural hollow sections to EN 10210 and EN 10219 standards, alongside traditional seamless products.

Immediate Actions Required for Buyers

Assess All Open Orders Immediately: Contact your suppliers today to confirm the exact production and shipping status of every open steel pipe order. Assume delays unless confirmed otherwise.

Escalate Critical Items: For any component critical to project continuity (e.g., specific heat exchanger tubes, casing, or structural tubes), initiate emergency procurement protocols. Our extended operational window may provide a solution.

Commence Q2 Planning with Realism: Begin planning for Q2 2026 with the understanding that normal production and supply chain flow will not resume until March. Lead times must be calculated accordingly.

A Stable Partner in an Unstable Market

While the market faces an extended hiatus, we offer stability and continuity. Our commitment to operating through the statutory period and our expanded portfolio in welded pipes and hollow sections position us as a reliable partner to navigate this crisis.

Contact our urgent response team immediately if your project is threatened by these widespread shutdowns. We will provide a frank assessment of solutions for your seamless pipe, welded pipe, and structural tube requirements.