Large Diameter Welded Tube Demand to Keep 15MT after 2009

Global demand for large diameter welded steel tubes, which are used as gas and oil line pipe such as UO large diameter steel tube or electric resistance welded steel tube, is expected to keep high level at 15 million tonnes after 2009 when natural gas pipe lines will be much constructed worldwide with the needs for clean energy. However, the supply of line pipes is expected to continue tight.Pipe line laying lead time has extended for natural gas or oil transport since 2004. Pipe lines were estimated to total about 13,000 miles for natural gas, about 4,000 miles for oil in 2007. The demand for large diameter welded steel tube seemed to reach 13 million tonnes in 2007.A Japanese integrated steel maker source said gas pipe line laying is expected keep 20,000 miles per year for natural gas and oil after 2009 worldwide. Consequently, the demand for large diameter welded steel tube could keep high level.