Seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for seamless steel tubes and pipes in Russia contracted from 6.1 million tons to 5.5 million tons. The period began with significant industry investments, including OMK's multi-year program to develop seamless tube capacity and the resumption of billet production at Ural Steel. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted industrial activity and logistics, contributing to the market's decline over these years.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2022 when the introduction of EU sanctions, which banned imports of Russian steel pipes, curtailed export opportunities and redirected supply to the domestic market. This was accompanied by a 5.8% rise in domestic production, pushing the market volume to 6.3 million tons. Growth accelerated in 2023, with the market reaching 7.2 million tons, driven by an 11.7% increase in seamless tube output and the expansion of production facilities, such as TMK's new stainless steel tube finishing section and the geographical growth of the Korolevsky Pipe Plant.

The market volume decreased to 7.0 million tons in 2024 under the continuing influence of sanctions and geopolitical risks. Looking to 2025, state infrastructure construction programs provide underlying support for demand, while industry developments include the hosting of the 'Metal-Expo 2025' international exhibition.

Production seamless tubes and pipes of iron or steel in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles in Russia has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia produced 5 812 K t of these products, marking a gradual reduction of 3.2% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports seamless tubes and pipes of iron or steel from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, deliveries of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from Russia have increased. In 2021, Russia exported 534.6 K t of these products, which remained virtually unchanged compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 30.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -11.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 531.9 K t, with the largest decline of 17.5% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Kazakhstan, the United States, and Uzbekistan—together accounted for 59.0% of total exports in kind of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from Russia.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, deliveries of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from Russia have increased. In 2021, exports stood at 751.1 M $ US, representing a modest rise of 5.8% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 13%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 709.8 M $ US, with the largest decline of 9.5% occurring in 2019.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Kazakhstan (22.6% of exports in value terms), the United States (14.4%), and Uzbekistan (12.7%) jointly accounted for 49.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports seamless tubes and pipes of iron or steel to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Deliveries of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles to Russia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 284.3 K t, reflecting a robust drop of 10.8% versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 33.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -12.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan (39.4% of imports in kind), China (20.5%), and Belarus (14.1%) headed the ranking of suppliers of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles to Russia, with their combined share reaching 74.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of seamless iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles to Russia have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totalled 520.2 M $ US, showing a notable drop of 14.5% compared with 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 32.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -12.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 774.5 M $ US, with the largest decline of 21.5% in 2020 and the largest increase of 1.0% in 2019.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, China (27.2% of imports in value terms), Kazakhstan (19.4%), and Ukraine (7.8%) made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 54.4% of total flows.

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

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