Plastic Pipe Market Growth Drivers and Challenges:
Growth Drivers
- Strong global trade: Plastic pipes are the 135th most traded item and in 2023 it held an overall trade value of USD 32.7 billion, representing 0.14% share. In terms of product complexity index (PCI), plastic pipes rank 522nd. The top five importers were the top importers the U.S. (USD 3.56 billion), Germany (USD 2.39 billion), Mexico (USD 1.76 billion), France (USD 1.51 billion), and China (USD 1.22 billion) in 2023. Whereas, the top five exporters comprised Germany (USD 4.79 billion), the U.S. (USD 3.97 billion), China (USD 3.93 billion), Italy (USD 2.02 billion), and Spain (USD 1.06 billion).
Growth (%) disaggregated by HS6 level, in 2023
|
Plastic Pipe Type |
Growth (%) |
|
Flexible plastic tube/hose not reinforced, with fitting |
55.4 |
|
Tube, pipe or hose, rigid, of PVC |
43.3 |
|
Fittings for plastic tube, pipe or hose |
43.3 |
|
Flexible plastic tube/hose not reinforced, no fitting |
22.7 |
|
Sausage casings of hardened protein, cellulose |
18.8 |
|
Tube, pipe or hose, rigid, of polyethylene |
17 |
|
Tube, pipe or hose, rigid of polypropylene |
12.9 |
|
Plastic tube, pipe or hose, flexible, mbp>27.6 MPa |
11.4 |
|
Other plastic tube, pipe or hose, flexible |
28.6 |
|
Other plastic tube, pipe or hose, rigid |
0.57 |
Source: OEC
- Recyclability of plastics: APP, PE, and PVC are the most common thermoplastics used to make pipes. They are easily reprocessed and recycled since they can be cut, remelted, and reformed. Off-cuts can be easily recycled into new pipes with a service life of over 100 years as they are 100% recyclable. For instance, in 2024, the MPA Skills Plumbing and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA), Vinidex, and Pipemakers collaboratively established a wide PVC and PE pipe and fitting recycling program in Washington. This is aimed to facilitate off-cut disposal of PVC and PE plastic pipes, diverting them from landfills and recycling them into new long-lasting pipes.
Challenges
- Environmental hazards: Extensive use of plastics accumulates in landfills and waterways. In 2021, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) mentioned that 12.5 million tonnes of agricultural plastic products were used in 2019. Concerns about improper plastic waste disposal have impelled the adoption of more responsible models in agriculture, including sustainable and circular bioeconomy.
- Strict rules and regulations: Implementing stringent regulations regarding the utilization and disposal of plastics impedes market growth. The increasing awareness of plastic pollution and its environmental impact may lead to a widespread public nonacceptance of plastic products, thus deteriorating the market's growth.
Plastic Pipe Market Size and Forecast:
|
Base Year |
2025 |
|
Forecast Period |
2026-2035 |
|
CAGR |
6.2% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2025) |
USD 61.93 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2035) |
USD 113.02 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
