China's steel pipe exports have exceeded the 10 million metric ton mark for two consecutive years, reaching 11 million metric tons in 2024. It is projected to set another record in 2025, marking a breakthrough of exports surpassing 10 million metric tons for three consecutive years.
In terms of export structure, the main export categories include oil well pipes, pipeline pipes, boiler pipes, and stainless steel pipes. Among these, exports of boiler pipes increased by 20.48% year-on-year, seamless stainless steel pipes grew by 15.65%, and welded stainless steel pipes with diameters below 406.4 mm saw a 13% rise. Annual stainless steel pipe exports are expected to approach 550,000 metric tons, signifying a historic shift from import dependence to large-scale exports in China's medium- and high-end steel pipe product sector.
Significant progress has been made in the research and development of highly corrosion-resistant pipes. Products such as 13Cr and Super 13Cr steel pipes are widely used in oil and gas extraction in carbon dioxide corrosive environments, gas storage facility construction, and enhanced oil recovery in oilfields.
The construction of carbon dioxide transmission pipelines is accelerating, driving sustained demand for materials such as steel grades X65QS and L360. Breakthroughs have been achieved in hydrogen transmission pipeline technology, with Baosteel’s φ457mm seamless hydrogen transmission pipes being applied in a major pipeline project spanning 258 kilometers and operating at a pressure of 6.3 MPa.
The localization of boiler pipes has significantly accelerated. High-end materials like Super304H, HR3C, and P92, as well as 690U-shaped tubes for nuclear power steam generators, are gradually achieving domestic production.