Flexible iron or steel tubing market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The market for flexible iron or steel tubing in Portugal experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2023. Volume plummeted from 17 990 t in 2018 to 9 649 t in 2019, before embarking on a steady recovery to reach 16 308 t by 2023. In value terms, the market expanded even more markedly, growing from 17.2 million $ US in 2019 to 31.6 million $ US in 2023, indicating a shift toward higher-value products.

The market recovery from 2020 was supported by regulatory changes that raised technical standards. The introduction of Nota Informativa nº 15/2020 reinforced installation requirements for flexible tubing in fire-fighting systems, increasing demand for certified products that comply with the NP EN 671-2 standard. This was followed by Regulamento n.º 387/2022, which updated national technical regulations for steel and cast iron tubes, further driving market growth through stricter quality and certification controls.

The market structure has been shaped by several established and specialized manufacturers. Portoflex maintains a leading position in rigid and flexible stainless steel and aluminum tubes for ventilation and exhaust, emphasizing rapid production and delivery. Meanwhile, players like ITS Portugal supply precision steel tubing for the automotive industry, demonstrating the diversification of supply and applications within the Portuguese tubing sector.

Production flexible iron or steel tubing in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's flexible iron or steel tubing production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 21 379 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial gain of 14.1% compared to 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 13.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 22.8%. The minimum value was 15 253 thousand US dollars in 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's flexible iron or steel tubing production volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 11 886 tonnes were produced, up by 5.7% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 46.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a rise of 19.2%. The minimum value was 9 434 tonnes in 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 32.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports flexible iron or steel tubing from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Foreign flexible iron or steel tubing supplies from Portugal have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 60.5 tonnes, marking a sharp decrease of 72.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 82.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for Portugal's flexible iron or steel tubing exports in kind were Spain, accounting for 69.8% of exports, Angola at 6.4%, and Cabo Verde at 2.7%. Together, these three markets represented 79.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Volumes reached their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2021, representing a 3.8-fold shift. In 2021, cross-border shipments of flexible iron or steel tubing from Portugal totaled 670 thousand US dollars, indicating a loss of 54.1% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Spain, Angola, and France—together absorbed 64.5% of the total value of flexible iron or steel tubing exports from Portugal.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports flexible iron or steel tubing to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of flexible iron or steel tubing to Portugal have increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 722.3 tonnes, showing a dramatic rise of 55.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.8%, while the minimum value was 463.8 tonnes in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Spain, Italy, and Germany—together accounted for 71.7% of total imports in kind of flexible iron or steel tubing to Portugal.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Flexible iron or steel tubing imports to Portugal have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 5 246 thousand US dollars, showing an increase of 40.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 28.8%, while the minimum value was 3 189 thousand US dollars in 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 17.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Italy, and Germany remained the principal suppliers of flexible iron or steel tubing to Portugal in value terms, accounting for 35.6%, 14.7%, and 11.6% of imports, respectively. Together, they jointly accounted for 62.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021