Welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Hungarian market for welded stainless steel pipes saw the entry of new domestic producers like HOVIVENT Kft. and Profilvas Kft., who utilized modern Swiss and German machinery to manufacture pipes meeting EU standards. This local production activity was complemented by technological advances such as orbital cutting and welding, which improved product quality and supported investments in the domestic market. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, impacting raw material procurement and manufacturing capacity. This led to a significant contraction in import volumes, which fell from 8 769 t in 2019 to 6 061 t in 2021, directly reducing the overall market volume to 7 709 t by 2021.

In response to the pandemic, existing players intensified technological upgrades, including the adoption of laser cutting and pipe bending machines, which expanded product ranges. Consumer preferences also shifted towards high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel pipes, especially in the food and chemical industries. From 2021, new EU regulations on packaging and labeling, set to take effect in 2022, began influencing distribution and sales practices, emphasizing traceability. Concurrently, manufacturers broadened their product segments by offering pipes in various stainless steel grades like 304 and 316, catering to diverse industrial applications. This product diversification, alongside ongoing raw material price volatility, contributed to a market value increase to 34.7 million USD in 2021 even as physical volume declined.

By 2022, new warranty liability rules affected market operations concerning consumer rights. Despite a further drop in market volume to 5 900 t in 2023, local production gradually increased, reaching 17 t in 2024, supported by sustained technological investments and automation trends. The market value showed resilience, recovering to 33.0 million USD in 2024, indicating a shift towards higher-value products amidst a structurally smaller volume market.

Production welded circular stainless pipes in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's production of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles was valued at 200.9 thousand US dollars, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the period from 2019 to 2021, production increased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

In 2021, Hungary produced 13,000 kilograms of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, with little variation compared to the prior year. Between 2019 and 2021, production declined by 7.1%, translating to an annualized decrease of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports welded circular stainless pipes from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Hungary's export volume of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles increased in 2021. The country exported 365 tonnes in that year, marking a 7.9% rise from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 49.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 338 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest decline of 47.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Romania, and Poland were the key destinations for Hungary's exports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in volume terms. Germany accounted for 32.1% of exports, Romania for 18.3%, and Poland for 12.7%, collectively representing 63.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The highest export value was recorded in 2018, while the lowest was in 2020, resulting in a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Hungary's exports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles amounted to 7,641 thousand US dollars, a significant increase of 104.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 3,740 thousand US dollars in 2020, which also experienced the largest decline of 72.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Romania were the primary buyers of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles from Hungary in value terms. Germany led with 52.6% of exports, followed by the United Kingdom at 17.2%, and Romania at 4.8%, together accounting for 74.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports welded circular stainless pipes to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Hungary's import volume of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles rose in 2021. Imports totaled 8,061 tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 9.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.4%. The lowest volume was 8,054 tonnes in 2020, which also saw the largest decline of 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy and Germany were the dominant suppliers of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles to Hungary in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 82.1% of total imports, with other sources contributing relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's imports of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles reached 42,172 thousand US dollars, up by 6.6% from the previous year. The minimum value was 39,551 thousand US dollars in 2020, while the maximum was 45,592 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 13.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 9.9%.

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

During 2018 to 2021, Germany, Italy, and the United States were the largest suppliers of welded circular-section stainless steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles to Hungary in value terms. Germany contributed 37.5% of imports, Italy 33.9%, and the United States 4.9%, collectively forming 76.2% of total import value.

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

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