Welded iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Swedish market for welded steel tubes and profiles was influenced by the development of fossil-free steel technology through the HYBRIT project, a joint initiative by SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall. This period saw SSAB introduce cold-formed hollow sections made from high-strength steel, which saved material and enabled lighter constructions, potentially stimulating demand in specific segments. The market volume in physical terms grew from 248 thousand tons in 2020 to 288 thousand tons in 2021, a period during which the HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå produced its first 100 tons of fossil-free iron, symbolizing the industry's shift toward sustainable production.

A turning point came in 2022 when the EU Commission reviewed and extended anti-dumping measures on imports of welded iron or non-alloy steel tubes from China, Russia, and Belarus. These restrictions directly reduced import availability, contributing to a drop in market volume to 244 thousand tons. Concurrently, SSAB and Heléns Rör AB signed a collaboration agreement for the supply of fossil-free steel, focusing on welded precision steel tubes and hollow profiles, which strengthened local value chains in response to the trade barriers.

In the following years through 2024, the market faced cost pressures from rising raw material prices, particularly for chromium, and low coil stock levels that affected welded tube production. Annual price increases for steel structures and hollow profiles were implemented, while competition intensified between different profile types, such as VKR and KKR sections. Throughout this period, the implementation of HYBRIT technology continued, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in Swedish iron and steel production by over 10%.

Production welded iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports welded iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles from Sweden

Exports in kind, K t

Sweden's exports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 27.5 K t of these products, marking a moderate year-on-year decrease of 6.4%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 16%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, Finland, and Poland were the top destinations for Sweden's exports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in terms of volume. Norway accounted for 24.7% of exports, Finland for 18.5%, and Poland for 15.5%. Together, these three countries represented 58.7% of Sweden's total export flows during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Sweden's exports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in value terms saw an increase. In 2020, exports reached 78.6 M $ US, reflecting a moderate improvement of 4.9% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 74.9 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Norway, Poland, and Finland were the main markets for Sweden's exports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in value terms. Norway led with 27.8% of exports, followed by Poland at 14.6%, and Finland at 9.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 51.4% of Sweden's total export value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sweden in value, 2017-2020

Imports welded iron or steel tubes, pipes and hollow profiles to Sweden

Imports in kind, K t

Sweden's imports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported a total of value_last_year K t of these products, showing a slight drop of 2.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the leading sources for Sweden's imports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in volume terms. Finland contributed 30.7% of imports, Italy 16.1%, and the United Kingdom 9.9%. Together, these three countries made up 56.7% of Sweden's total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's imports of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles in value terms have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 318.4 M $ US, which is 5.9% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 4.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 385.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 5.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Finland, Italy, and Germany were the primary suppliers of welded iron or steel tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles to Sweden in value terms. Finland accounted for 28.0% of imports, Italy for 16.0%, and Germany for 11.8%. Combined, these three countries formed 55.8% of Sweden's total import value in this category.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sweden in value, 2017-2020