Aug 16, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: EU – Tube Or Pipe Fittings (Of Iron Or Steel) – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
The tube and pipe fittings market in the European Union is expected to experience a gradual increase in demand, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.4% in volume and +2.3% in value from 2024 to 2035. This growth trend is attributed to the rising need for iron and steel fittings, indicating a positive outlook for the market over the next decade.
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in the European Union, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.4% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.2M tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $9.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionEuropean Union’s Consumption of Tube or Pipe Fittings (of Iron or Steel)
Iron or steel tube fitting consumption soared to 1M tons in 2024, surging by 24% compared with 2023. The total consumption indicated pronounced growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption decreased by -13.4% against 2022 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 1.2M tons. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the consumption failed to regain momentum.
The revenue of the market for tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in the European Union skyrocketed to $7.2B in 2024, picking up by 63% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
Consumption By Country
The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2024 were Italy (214K tons), Germany (199K tons) and the Netherlands (127K tons), together comprising 53% of total consumption. Spain, Poland, France, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 31%.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +24.4%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest iron or steel tube fitting markets in the European Union were Italy ($1.8B), Germany ($1.4B) and the Netherlands ($758M), with a combined 57% share of the total market. Poland, France, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 29%.
Spain, with a CAGR of +16.4%, saw the highest growth rate of market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
The countries with the highest levels of iron or steel tube fitting per capita consumption in 2024 were the Netherlands (7.2 kg per person), Italy (3.6 kg per person) and Belgium (3.6 kg per person).
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +24.3%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
ProductionEuropean Union’s Production of Tube or Pipe Fittings (of Iron or Steel)
In 2024, the amount of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) produced in the European Union soared to 902K tons, growing by 20% compared with 2023 figures. Overall, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak volume of 1.1M tons. From 2023 to 2024, production growth remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting production soared to $11.3B in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a notable expansion. As a result, production attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.
Production By Country
The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were Italy (309K tons), Germany (160K tons) and the Netherlands (85K tons), with a combined 61% share of total production.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the leading producing countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +17.7%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
ImportsEuropean Union’s Imports of Tube or Pipe Fittings (of Iron or Steel)
In 2024, supplies from abroad of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) decreased by -15.9% to 729K tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 11% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at 956K tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting imports dropped remarkably to $5.7B in 2024. Total imports indicated a mild expansion from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 22%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $7.5B in 2023, and then contracted significantly in the following year.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Germany (120K tons), Spain (90K tons), the Netherlands (82K tons), Italy (72K tons), France (64K tons), Poland (48K tons), Belgium (35K tons), Denmark (32K tons) and the Czech Republic (27K tons) was the major importer of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in the European Union, generating 78% of total import. Austria (24K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +5.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, Germany ($1.3B) constitutes the largest market for imported tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in the European Union, comprising 22% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($605M), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 9.9% share.
In Germany, iron or steel tube fitting imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2013-2024. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+0.9% per year) and France (-0.0% per year).
Imports By Type
In 2024, tube or pipe flanges other than stainless steel (151K tons), iron or steel cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron (145K tons) and tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (129K tons) was the key type of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) in the European Union, constituting 58% of total import. Tube or pipe flanges of stainless steel (72K tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by tube or pipe butt welding fittings other than of stainless steel (63K tons), tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (59K tons) and iron or steel cast fittings of non-malleable cast iron (43K tons). All these products together held near 33% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (with a CAGR of +4.3%), while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest types of imported tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) were tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($1.2B), tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($1.1B) and iron or steel cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron ($753M), together accounting for 54% of total imports.
Tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings, with a CAGR of +4.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Type
In 2024, the import price in the European Union amounted to $7,862 per ton, falling by -8.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $8,600 per ton in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves of stainless steel ($25,439 per ton), while the price for tube or pipe flanges other than stainless steel ($3,253 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves of stainless steel (+2.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the import price in the European Union amounted to $7,862 per ton, reducing by -8.6% against the previous year. Over the last eleven-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 14%. The level of import peaked at $8,600 per ton in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($11,485 per ton), while Spain ($4,316 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+3.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsEuropean Union’s Exports of Tube or Pipe Fittings (of Iron or Steel)
In 2024, overseas shipments of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel) decreased by -22.9% to 616K tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports showed a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at 915K tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, iron or steel tube fitting exports reduced remarkably to $7.3B in 2024. Over the period under review, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $8.9B in 2023, and then dropped dramatically in the following year.
Exports By Country
In 2024, Italy (167K tons), distantly followed by Germany (82K tons), Spain (70K tons), Poland (56K tons), the Netherlands (40K tons) and Austria (29K tons) were the largest exporters of tube or pipe fittings (of iron or steel), together constituting 72% of total exports. The following exporters – France (27K tons), Belgium (23K tons), Denmark (21K tons) and the Czech Republic (21K tons) – together made up 15% of total exports.
Exports from Italy decreased at an average annual rate of -5.8% from 2013 to 2024. At the same time, Denmark (+4.3%) and Poland (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Denmark emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the European Union, with a CAGR of +4.3% from 2013-2024. Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Austria (-3.2%), the Czech Republic (-4.0%), France (-4.7%) and Germany (-5.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Poland (+3.7 p.p.), Spain (+2.7 p.p.), Denmark (+2 p.p.) and the Netherlands (+1.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Germany and Italy saw its share reduced by -4.2% and -8.9% from 2013 to 2024, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.
In value terms, Italy ($1.9B), Germany ($1.7B) and the Netherlands ($572M) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2024, with a combined 57% share of total exports. Poland, Austria, Spain, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Denmark lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 33%.
Poland, with a CAGR of +4.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Exports By Type
Tube or pipe flanges other than stainless steel (146K tons), tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (129K tons), iron or steel cast fittings, other than of non-malleable cast iron (95K tons) and tube or pipe butt welding fittings other than of stainless steel (71K tons) represented roughly 72% of total exports in 2024. Tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (42K tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by tube or pipe flanges of stainless steel (40K tons) and tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves other than of stainless steel (31K tons). All these products together held approx. 18% share of total exports. Iron or steel cast fittings of non-malleable cast iron (23K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by tube or pipe threaded elbows, bends and sleeves of stainless steel (with a CAGR of +2.4%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, tube or pipe fittings of non-stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($1.8B), tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($1.3B) and tube or pipe flanges other than stainless steel ($820M) constituted the products with the highest levels of exports in 2024, together comprising 54% of total exports.
Tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings, with a CAGR of +4.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Type
The export price in the European Union stood at $11,787 per ton in 2024, surging by 5.7% against the previous year. Export price indicated a moderate expansion from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, iron or steel tube fitting export price increased by +67.2% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 when the export price increased by 16%. The level of export peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exported products. In 2024, the product with the highest price was tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings ($31,163 per ton), while the average price for exports of tube or pipe flanges other than stainless steel ($5,600 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by tube or pipe fittings of stainless steel other than flanges, elbows, bends, sleeves or butt welding fittings (+4.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the export price in the European Union amounted to $11,787 per ton, rising by 5.7% against the previous year. Export price indicated perceptible growth from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, iron or steel tube fitting export price increased by +67.2% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2023 an increase of 16%. The level of export peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($20,550 per ton), while Spain ($5,766 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Czech Republic (+5.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform