HS Code:
Tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles, seamless, of iron (other than cast iron) or steel, fall under HS Code 7304. This category includes a wide range of products used primarily in industries such as oil and gas, construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Seamless pipes are critical for applications requiring high pressure, durability, and resistance to corrosion, as they are manufactured without a welded seam, ensuring greater strength and reliability. These products vary in size, grade, and application, including line pipes for oil and gas transport, casing and tubing for drilling, and structural pipes for construction projects.
Total Trade Volume
USD 25.6 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries on imports to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Increased demand from renewable energy sector
Growing investments in wind and solar energy projects have spurred demand for seamless steel pipes used in infrastructure and equipment, boosting trade volumes particularly in Europe and North America.
2021-2022
Shift towards high-grade steel products
Rising need for corrosion-resistant and high-strength pipes in harsh environments (e.g., deep-sea oil exploration) has led to higher export values for premium products, especially from Japan and Germany.
2020-2022
Impact of raw material price volatility
Fluctuations in iron ore and steel prices have affected production costs, leading to variable pricing in export markets and impacting competitiveness of producers in developing countries.
2022
The United States Department of Commerce announced additional anti-dumping duties on seamless steel pipes from China, citing unfair trade practices and market distortion due to subsidies.
March 2023
This is expected to reduce Chinese imports into the US by 15-20%, potentially benefiting domestic producers and alternative suppliers like Canada and Mexico.
The European Union launched a policy to promote sustainable steel production, offering incentives for low-carbon seamless pipe manufacturing and imposing stricter carbon border taxes on high-emission imports.
July 2023
This could increase production costs for non-EU exporters like China and India, while benefiting EU-based producers with greener technologies.
With the recovery of oil prices post-2021, major oil-producing regions in the Middle East and North America have increased investments in exploration and drilling, driving demand for seamless pipes.
January 2023
This has led to a 10% surge in export volumes from key suppliers like Japan and Germany to OPEC countries and the US.