On the supply side, the combined production capacity of major domestic manufacturers such as Tianjin Youfa Steel Pipe Group, Shandong Jinzhou Pipeline Technology Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Youbang Integrated Ceiling Co., Ltd. accounts for more than 35% of the national total production capacity. The industry concentration ratio CR10 has increased from 28% in 2020 to 34% in 2024, showing an obvious trend of intensive development. At the same time, affected by the national "dual - carbon" strategy and environmental protection policies, some small and medium - sized production capacities have gradually withdrawn from the market due to their inability to meet the requirements of the "Ultra - low Emission Transformation Work Plan for the Iron and Steel Industry". Approximately 1.2 million tons of backward production capacity were phased out from 2023 to 2024, effectively alleviating the pressure of structural overcapacity. It is worth noting that fluctuations in raw material costs pose certain challenges to supply stability. Zinc ingots, as the core coating material, had an average price of 23,500 yuan per ton in 2024.
The output of galvanized pipes in China
In 2024, the apparent consumption of hot - dip galvanized pipes reached 39.8 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 5.2%. The construction sector still accounted for the largest proportion, approximately 58%, and was mainly used in the water supply and drainage systems of high - rise buildings, fire - fighting pipe networks, and HVAC projects. Municipal infrastructure construction contributed about 18% of the demand increment. Especially in urban renewal, underground utility tunnels, and sponge city construction, hot - dip galvanized steel pipes became the first - choice material due to their excellent corrosion resistance and long service life. In addition, the demand from the new energy and power industries has risen rapidly. In 2024, the consumption of galvanized steel pipes for photovoltaic brackets and wind power tower barrels increased by 27% year - on - year, reaching 2.1 million tons, and the proportion of the total demand increased to 5.3%. Traditional fields such as agricultural irrigation, oil and gas transportation, and machinery manufacturing maintained steady growth, with a combined proportion of approximately 18.7%.
Export sales of hot - dip galvanized steel pipes
In terms of exports, the trade pattern of China's hot - dip galvanized steel pipes is characterized by "domestic demand - led and stable exports". Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that the export volume in 2024 was 1.85 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 3.8%. The products were mainly shipped to emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria ranked among the top three destinations, accounting for 42% of the total export volume. The structure of export products is also transforming towards high - value - added products. The export proportion of high - end galvanized pipes with a wall thickness of ≥ 3.5mm and complying with ASTM A53 or EN 10255 standards increased from 28% in 2020 to 41% in 2024.
In terms of imports, the volume remained at a low level. Only 87,000 tons were imported in 2024, mainly for use in nuclear power plant cooling systems or marine systems under special working conditions. The main source countries were Japan, Germany, and South Korea. Overall, the domestic self - sufficiency rate has exceeded 98%, and the supply chain is safe and controllable.
