Global Duplex Stainless Steel Welded Pipe Market - 2024 - 2031

Global Duplex Stainless Steel Welded Pipe Market reached US$ 2.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 4.2 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The global market for duplex stainless steel welded pipe is being rapidly transformed as a result of its exceptional durability, high-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The properties are anticipated to be used in chemical processing, desalination and oil and gas facilities. According to the World Steel Association, the production of global stainless steel is increasing annually and duplex grades are gaining traction.

The growing water scarcity worldwide has spurred investments in desalination plants, creating a surge in demand for duplex stainless steel welded pipes. Global desalination contracted capacity, as reported by the International Desalination & Reuse Association, increased by 6% annually in 2023 to 109.4 million cubic meters per day. The duplex stainless steel welded pipes are frequently employed in these types of facilities due to their ability to resist chloride-induced stress corrosion, which guarantees their dependability and longevity in salt environments.

The market is experiencing rapid growth in Asia-Pacific. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that approximately US$ 1.7 trillion will have to be invested annually in infrastructure across Asia through 2030. In industries such as energy, construction and petrochemicals, countries such as China, India and Japan are now employing a greater number of multifunctional DSS welded pipelines. The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association reports that the Indian stainless steel production has grown at an average of 16% per annum, with duplex grades accounting for a significant portion of this growth.

Dynamics

Superior Properties for Diverse Applications

Duplex stainless steel is fueled by its distinctive property profile, which includes cost-effectiveness, corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. However, DSS is distinguished from both an austenitic and ferritic stainless steel by its comparatively balanced microstructure of austenite and ferrite, which enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion and enhances its endurance. DSS are better resistant to CO2 and chlorides than the austenitic stainless steels, as per the research.

In chemical plants, DSS is employed to construct both small and large pipelines that transport corrosive fluids, such as sulfuric acid, to ensure the safety and reliability of processes. The U.S. Department of Energy observed a substantial increase in the number of renewable energy projects in 2023, with DSS welded pipes comprising a substantial portion of solar thermal and geothermal facilities. In addition, the pipes are capable of withstanding high-pressure and temperature conditions, which guarantees the longevity of their service life and the efficacy of processing. Consequently, they are a viable alternative for these applications.

Growth in Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration

The expansion of offshore oil & gas exploration is a major growth driver for the DSS welded pipe market. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), offshore oil production accounted for nearly 30% of global crude oil output in 2022, with an upward trend expected due to declining onshore reserves. DSS welded pipes are critical in subsea pipelines, risers and flowlines, where exposure to high pressures and corrosive seawater demands robust materials.

The International Energy Agency predicts that the global upstream oil and gas investments increase by about 11 percent to $528bn in 2023, emphasizing the use of DSS pipes for long-term reliability. Similarly, in the North Sea, operators have increasingly adopted duplex grades to optimize lifecycle costs and ensure operational safety. DSS's low thermal expansion and high strength make it ideal for deepwater and oil & gas exploration and applications, where temperature and pressure fluctuations are common.

High Initial Cost and Fabrication Complexity

The high initial cost and fabrication challenges of Duplex Stainless Steel welded pipes act as significant restraints. Duplex stainless steel pipes are 20-30 typically more expensive than standard stainless steel alternatives due to their alloy composition, including chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen. Additionally, the welding process requires specialized techniques to maintain the duplex structure, which increases manufacturing complexity and costs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies often face financial constraints, limiting the adoption of DSS welded pipes. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) notes that access to affordable financing remains a critical barrier for SMEs looking to invest in advanced materials like DSS. Furthermore, the lack of skilled labor for DSS fabrication in developing regions exacerbates the challenge, slowing market penetration.

Segment Analysis

The global duplex stainless steel welded pipe market is segmented based on product type, material grade, surface treatment, thickness, outer diameter, application and region.

Rising Oil Exploration and Production Infrastructure

The oil & gas industry represents the largest demand segment for Duplex Stainless Steel welded pipes. The EIA projects that global oil demand will increase by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to reach 104.3 million barrels per day by 2025, driving investments in exploration and production infrastructure. DSS welded pipes are integral to upstream, midstream and downstream operations, providing unmatched durability and corrosion resistance. In upstream applications, DSS pipes are used in drilling and production systems where exposure to sour gas and high-pressure environments necessitates robust materials.

Midstream operations, including pipeline transport, also rely on DSS pipes for their ability to handle corrosive substances like crude oil and natural gas. Downstream facilities, such as refineries, use DSS pipes in distillation units and heat exchangers, ensuring process efficiency and safety. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) highlights a 7% annual increase in offshore drilling projects, where DSS pipes are indispensable. Furthermore, Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in refinery expansions, further bolstering demand for DSS welded pipes.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific's Robust Industrial Base Demands High Durable Pipes

Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share in the Duplex Stainless Steel Welded Pipe market, driven by robust infrastructure development and industrial growth. According to the World Steel Association, the region accounted for over 96.4 mt of crude steel production in 2023, with duplex grades witnessing the highest growth rate. China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) also highlighted significant investments in chemical and petrochemical industries, further driving the demand for DSS welded pipes.

Furthermore, the International Trade Administration reported that, in 2023, Japan exported 32.1 million metric tons of steel, a 1.4% increase from 31.7 million metric tons in 2022. Japan Stainless Steel Association and AICHI Steel Corporation are coming together and making more composite for stainless steel for other applications, such as; reinforced concrete construction for which they provide chromium stainless steel welded pipe for concrete reinforcement.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION, Zhengzhou City Huitong Pipe Fittings Co., Ltd., Oshwin Overseas, Special Piping Materials, AMETEK Inc., Savoy Piping Inc., Tubacex Group, Aesteiron Steels LLP, MTSCO and Metline Industries.

Sustainability Analysis

The Duplex Stainless Steel Welded Pipe market is aligning with global sustainability goals by promoting resource efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. The World Steel Association emphasizes that duplex grades reduce material usage due to their high strength, contributing to lower emissions during production and transportation.

Moreover, DSS's long service life and recyclability make it an eco-friendly choice for industries. Companies are increasingly adopting green manufacturing practices, such as using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste. These initiatives & Factors align with global efforts to create sustainable and resilient industrial ecosystems.

Technological Advancement

Digital transformation is revolutionizing the Duplex Stainless Steel Welded Pipe market by enhancing manufacturing efficiency and quality. The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT and AI, enables real-time monitoring of production processes, ensuring optimal resource utilization. According to the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, smart manufacturing solutions have improved operational efficiency in the steel industry.

Additionally, digital twin technology is gaining traction, allowing manufacturers to simulate and optimize pipe performance under various conditions. For instance, predictive maintenance systems reduce downtime and operational costs by identifying potential failures in advance. These advancements not only enhance competitiveness but also ensure compliance with stringent quality standards, driving the market forward.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global duplex stainless steel welded pipe market segmentation based on product type, material grade, surface treatment, thickness, outer diameter, application and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points at the duplex stainless steel welded pipe market level for all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global duplex stainless steel welded pipe market report would provide approximately 86 tables, 84 figures and 219 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies