Page 15 - ITAtube Journal 3 2025

Despite delays in pipeline projects,
demand remains high (Figure 15).
The significant rise in line-pipe output in
2025 confirms this trend. Geopolitical and
economic developments require substan-
tial investments in oil and gas transport
networks.
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage
(CCUS) represent an emerging market
requiring extensive pipeline infrastructure.
CO₂ transport demands higher-alloyed
materials due to corrosive conditions.
Developing CO₂ pipeline networks will
be essential for large-scale deployment
and cost reduction, although challenges
remain in permitting, investment, and
public acceptance. Adoption is increasing
in the U.S., the Middle East, and beyond.
The automotive sector represents about
15% of global tube demand. According
to IHS, global light-vehicle production
declined to 89.5 million units in 2024 and
is expected to fall slightly to 89.2 million in
2025 (Figure 16).
A modest recovery is expected only by
2026. North America and Europe face
production cuts of 2.4% and 2.6%, respec-
tively, while South America and China
are projected to grow by 3.4% and 0.1%.
Higher US tariffs and supply chain disrup-
tions raise manufacturing costs. Bat-
tery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs), however, are
expected to grow by ~30% to 15.1 million
units, creating new applications for tubular
products in frames and body structures.
Mechanical engineering accounts for
roughly 9% of global tube output. Market
volume is expected to grow from USD 3.3
trillion in 2024 to USD 3.7 trillion in 2030
(+12%), driven mainly by China, the US,
and Europe (Figure 17).
Construction represents about 5% of tube
demand. According to NMSC (June 2025),
the global construction market reached
USD 11.4 trillion in 2024 and is expected to
exceed USD 16.1 trillion by 2030 (+41%)
Population growth and major infrastruc-
ture initiatives - especially in the Gulf
states and emerging markets - are key
drivers.
ITAtube Journal December 2025
Market information
Figure 15: The Global Demand for Line pipe Market
2019-2027 (million tons)
Source: Rystad Energy
Figure 16: Global Production of Automotive Light
Vehicles 2018-2032 (million untis)
Source: HIS (June 2025)
Figure 17: Global Construction Industry Sales Fore-
cast 2024-2030p (Trillion US$)
Source: NMSC (June 2025), Dr. H.J. Büchner
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