The foreign trade structure has been continuously optimized, and the export data of welded pipes has

In recent years, my countryWelded pipeProduction capacity continues to increase, but apparent consumption has declined. In addition to the impact of the downward pressure on the global economy, the continued downturn in the real estate market has also dragged down the overall demand for steel. At present, my country's welded pipe production capacity is obviously in excess. In order to alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand, many welded pipe companies have begun to look for opportunities in foreign trade transactions. Although the trend of international trade protectionism is obvious, my countrySteel pipeThe export situation in the industry remains grim, but my country's welded pipe exports still maintain a steady growth trend this year. This article will briefly analyze the fundamentals of welded pipe imports and exports in 2024.

1. In 2024, both the export and import volumes of welded pipes will increase

In the past five years, the export volume of welded steel pipes in my country has changed significantly. According to the General Administration of Customs, the export volume of welded pipes in my country from January to September 2024 was the highest in the past five years. The export volume from January to September was 3.8308 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 16.95%, and the export value was US$3.461 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 16.09%; from January to September 2024, the import volume of welded pipes in my country was 75,500 tons, a year-on-year increase of 12.68%, and the import value was US$256 million, a year-on-year decrease of 8.31%.

Judging from the data, this year my country's welded pipe export volume has increased significantly, but the export value has dropped significantly. Welded pipe companies still mainly use price-for-volume and small profits but quick turnover as their main means of export. In 2024, the RMB generally showed a two-way fluctuation and a steady upward trend. In addition, some high-end welded pipe products are still mainly dependent on imports, and this year my country's welded pipe import volume is also on the rise.

2. Differences in my country's welded pipe imports and exports by country in 2024

In 2024, the country with the largest import volume in my country is the Philippines, with an export volume of 313,400 tons and an export value of US$231 million. The top five countries in terms of export volume are the Philippines, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. In 2024, the country with the largest import volume in my country is Japan, with an import volume of 24,600 tons and an export value of US$54,326,700. The top five countries in terms of import volume are Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, and Vietnam. It can be seen that this year, my country's welded pipe exports are mainly to developing countries such as Southeast Asia and South America; my country's welded pipe imports are mainly to developed countries such as Asia and Europe.

Table 1: Top five countries in terms of welded pipe export volume from January to September 2024 (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Steel Union Data

Table 2: Top five countries in terms of welded pipe imports from January to September 2024 (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Steel Union Data

3. Domestic regional differences in my country's welded pipe imports and exports in 2024

according toMysteelAccording to the survey, my country's welded pipe production capacity is mainly concentrated in North China and East China, and the production capacity of the two regions accounts for about 70% of the country, of which North China accounts for 56%, East China accounts for 19%, Southwest China accounts for 9%, South China accounts for 7%, Northwest China accounts for 5%, Northeast China accounts for 3%, and Central China accounts for 1%. In 2024, the province with the largest export volume of welded pipes in my country will be Guangdong Province, with an export volume of 1.4613 million tons and an export value of US$1.103 billion. In 2024, the province with the largest import volume of welded pipes in my country will be Jiangsu Province, with an import volume of 28,200 tons and an import value of US$78.2438 million.

Table 3:Top five provinces and cities in terms of welded pipe export volume from January to September 2024 (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Steel Union Data

Table 4:Top five provinces and cities in terms of welded pipe imports from January to September 2024 (unit: 10,000 tons)

Data source: Steel Union Data

4. Outlook for welded pipe imports and exports in 2024

From the perspective of domestic demand, the overall recovery of the downstream steel market this year is slower than expected. Although infrastructure investment has rebounded significantly to boost steel consumption, the continued downturn in real estate has dragged down overall steel demand, of which welded pipe consumption has also had a significant impact. The overall apparent steel consumption is lower than the previous forecast. With excess capacity in welded pipes, the recovery of domestic demand in 2024 is expected to be weak. Exports are one of the three driving forces for economic growth. Supported by steel demand for infrastructure construction in countries along the Belt and Road, my country's steel exports have been promoted, and my country's welded pipe exports are still mainly in Southeast Asia.

Overall, my country's welded pipe exports still need to develop in two aspects: 1. Increase the proportion of welded pipe exports in the national welded pipe production to alleviate the problem of excess capacity of welded pipes; 2. Enterprises should focus on research and upgrading high-end welded pipe production technology to improve product substitutability and corporate export profits. Recently, the trend of international trade protectionism has risen significantly. The export situation of my country's steel pipe industry is still grim, which may put pressure on subsequent exports. my country's welded pipe enterprises should speed up the transformation and upgrading to obtain more opportunities.