Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Manufacturing Process (Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled), By Application (Oil and Gas, Water, Construction, Chemical Industry, Others), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.7% through 2030. The Global Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) Pipe Market is driven by the increasing demand for robust pipeline infrastructure in the oil and gas industry, particularly for high-pressure, long-distance transmission. Countries such as the U.S., China, India, and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in pipeline projects to meet rising energy consumption. Additionally, rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging economies are fueling the need for water supply, sewage, and structural support systems, all of which require high-strength piping solutions. LSAW pipes are favored due to their superior mechanical properties, including high strength, weldability, and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for use in harsh environments, offshore drilling, and deepwater projects.

The market is also benefitting from technological advancements in welding and non-destructive testing, which improve product quality and operational reliability. Furthermore, growing investment in renewable energy, such as hydrogen transport and carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipelines, presents new opportunities. Regulatory standards emphasizing safety and quality in pipeline systems further boost demand for LSAW pipes over alternatives. Overall, the combination of energy infrastructure expansion, durable product features, and emerging clean energy applications is propelling the growth of the global LSAW pipe market.

Key Market Drivers

Expansion of Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

The global expansion of oil and gas pipeline networks remains the most significant driver for the LSAW pipe market. As nations strive to ensure energy security and meet growing consumption demands, large-diameter, high-strength pipes are essential for long-distance and high-pressure oil and gas transportation. LSAW pipes, known for their excellent dimensional accuracy and strength, are widely preferred for cross-country and subsea pipeline projects, especially those requiring robust performance under extreme environmental conditions. 

Major economies, including the United States, Russia, China, and countries in the Middle East, are heavily investing in pipeline projects. For instance, Russia’s efforts to expand its energy exports through pipelines like Nord Stream and Power of Siberia rely on high-performance LSAW pipes. Similarly, the U.S. has seen several pipeline projects emerge due to increased shale gas production. In India and China, domestic pipeline expansion supports industrial and residential energy demands. These projects require high-integrity pipe systems that comply with stringent safety regulations—an area where LSAW pipes outperform alternatives such as spiral submerged arc-welded (SSAW) pipes due to better straightness and seam integrity. 

Moreover, international pipeline standards like API 5L and ISO 3183 increasingly favor LSAW pipes, especially for sour gas and offshore environments. Oil and gas operators prioritize reliability, reduced maintenance, and longer service life—all of which LSAW pipes deliver. Additionally, the increasing complexity of pipeline routes through mountainous, underwater, or geologically unstable regions further strengthens demand for durable LSAW products. In conclusion, the ongoing development and modernization of oil and gas infrastructure across key global regions, combined with the technical superiority of LSAW pipes in high-stress conditions, will continue to be a critical growth engine for the market in the years to come. The global oil and gas pipeline network exceeded 3.5 million kilometers in length by the end of 2024, supporting expanding energy transportation needs. In 2023, approximately 150,000 kilometers of new pipeline construction was completed worldwide, with significant growth in Asia and the Middle East. Natural gas pipelines accounted for over 60% of total new pipeline additions globally in 2023, reflecting rising gas demand. The global capacity of oil pipelines reached more than 80 million barrels per day in 2024, enabling efficient crude and refined product transport. Pipeline investment worldwide surpassed USD 90 billion in 2023, focusing on enhancing capacity, safety, and connectivity. Over 75% of new pipeline projects initiated in 2023 incorporated advanced monitoring and leak detection technologies to improve environmental safety.

Rising Demand from Infrastructure and Water Transmission Projects

Beyond oil and gas, the rising demand for LSAW pipes in infrastructure and water transmission applications is a key market driver. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth—especially in developing regions like Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America—are pushing governments and private sectors to invest heavily in water supply, wastewater management, and civil engineering projects. These projects often require high-capacity water transmission pipelines and structural supports, which depend on LSAW pipes for their mechanical strength, reliability, and longevity.

Infrastructure development initiatives such as India’s Smart Cities Mission, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include extensive public works projects involving bridges, tunnels, high-rise buildings, ports, and urban transport. LSAW pipes serve crucial roles in foundation piling, structural columns, and load-bearing applications due to their consistent wall thickness, low residual stress, and ability to handle large loads. Moreover, in regions where water scarcity is a concern, efficient and leak-proof water transmission systems are essential—making LSAW pipes the preferred choice for transporting potable water across long distances.

Municipalities and water authorities are also upgrading aging infrastructure, replacing older materials with corrosion-resistant and longer-lasting steel pipes. In this context, LSAW pipes are increasingly specified for projects due to their ability to withstand aggressive environmental factors and internal pressures. Their large diameters and customizable lengths allow them to be adapted to a wide range of applications, from urban drainage to industrial cooling systems.

In summary, the surge in infrastructure investment, the need for improved water management systems, and the suitability of LSAW pipes for civil engineering applications are collectively propelling market growth. These factors are particularly relevant in emerging economies, where infrastructural gaps remain significant, and long-lasting, high-capacity pipe solutions are in critical demand.

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Key Market Challenges

High Production Costs and Capital-Intensive Manufacturing Process

One of the most pressing challenges facing the LSAW pipe market is the high production cost associated with manufacturing. LSAW pipes are typically made from high-quality steel plates that undergo a series of technically demanding processes, including edge milling, pre-bending, forming, welding, and ultrasonic testing. The machinery and infrastructure required for these steps are capital-intensive, making it difficult for small and medium-sized manufacturers to enter or compete in the market. Furthermore, maintaining consistent quality standards—especially to meet international certifications such as API 5L or ISO 3183—adds to the operational burden.

The prices of raw materials, particularly hot-rolled steel plates, are volatile and heavily influenced by global supply-demand dynamics, energy costs, and geopolitical tensions. For example, disruptions in the global steel supply chain caused by conflicts (like the Russia-Ukraine war) or trade restrictions can lead to sudden spikes in input costs, reducing profit margins for LSAW pipe manufacturers. Unlike other welded pipe types such as ERW (Electric Resistance Welded), the LSAW process does not lend itself easily to cost reduction through scale unless large-volume orders are available.

Additionally, labor costs, especially in regions with stringent safety and labor standards, contribute to high operating expenses. Skilled operators and technicians are needed to maintain weld quality and inspect each pipe thoroughly using non-destructive testing methods. If quality standards are not met, the cost of rework or scrapping defective pipes can be significant.

In conclusion, the capital-intensive nature of LSAW pipe production, dependence on fluctuating raw material prices, and high labor and quality control costs collectively act as barriers to profitability and expansion, particularly for smaller players. This limits market competition and makes LSAW pipes less competitive in price-sensitive sectors compared to alternatives.

Competition from Alternative Pipe Technologies and Substitutes

The LSAW pipe market is increasingly challenged by the presence of alternative pipe manufacturing technologies, such as Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) and Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes, which are often more cost-effective depending on the application. While LSAW pipes offer superior strength and reliability, SSAW pipes are typically more economical to produce and are widely used in lower-pressure or shorter-distance pipeline applications. This makes SSAW pipes attractive to project developers with tight budget constraints or for use in markets where engineering requirements are less stringent.

In recent years, technological improvements in SSAW and ERW pipe manufacturing have narrowed the performance gap between these products and LSAW pipes. SSAW pipes can now be produced with better dimensional accuracy and quality control, enabling them to meet certain standards that were once exclusive to LSAW pipes. In water transmission and piling applications—where ultimate pressure resistance is not the only priority—SSAW and ERW pipes are frequently chosen due to their lower cost and faster production lead times.

Moreover, the increasing use of plastic pipes (like HDPE and PVC) in sectors such as municipal water distribution, sewage, and gas supply is another source of competition. These alternatives offer benefits such as corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and lower transportation costs. For medium-pressure and smaller-diameter applications, plastic pipes are rapidly gaining traction, especially in developing countries.

This competitive environment forces LSAW pipe manufacturers to constantly justify their higher prices through superior technical performance. In price-sensitive projects, particularly in infrastructure development in developing economies, the preference often shifts to more economical options, even at the cost of reduced longevity or performance. Therefore, intense competition from lower-cost pipe alternatives poses a major challenge to the sustained growth of the LSAW pipe market.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Automation

A prominent trend shaping the LSAW pipe market is the increasing adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation in production facilities. As demand grows for high-strength, large-diameter pipes with superior weld integrity and minimal defects, manufacturers are investing heavily in state-of-the-art welding equipment, real-time monitoring systems, and non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies. These advancements are designed to enhance production accuracy, reduce human error, and ensure compliance with increasingly stringent international standards such as API 5L, DNV-OS-F101, and ISO 3183.

One major area of innovation is in automatic multi-wire SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) systems, which provide deeper weld penetration and higher productivity. Additionally, robotic pipe handling, edge milling precision tools, and laser-guided alignment systems are helping to minimize misalignments and welding defects, resulting in better mechanical properties and weld seam strength. The deployment of digital twin technology and Industry 4.0-based process controls is further allowing real-time tracking of quality metrics, pipe geometry, and material traceability across the entire production lifecycle.

These digital solutions not only improve efficiency but also enable predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and help manufacturers achieve higher yields with consistent quality. Moreover, advanced software tools are being used to simulate pipe stress under various operating conditions, helping end-users (especially in oil & gas and offshore sectors) select optimal pipe configurations.

In a market where project timelines are shrinking and competition is intensifying, the trend toward smart manufacturing is allowing leading players to differentiate through faster delivery cycles and enhanced product reliability. Companies adopting such technologies are better positioned to secure high-value contracts for critical infrastructure and energy projects. As digital transformation continues, this trend is expected to redefine manufacturing benchmarks and increase the competitiveness of technologically advanced LSAW pipe producers globally. Expansion efforts in North America contributed to around 30,000 kilometers of new pipeline infrastructure in 2023, primarily in shale gas and oil regions. Africa’s pipeline infrastructure grew by nearly 10% in length in 2023, aiming to connect remote production sites with export terminals. Cross-border pipeline projects increased by 12% in 2024, facilitating regional energy trade and diversification of supply routes. Maintenance and modernization of aging pipelines accounted for more than 25% of global pipeline expenditures in 2023, ensuring long-term operational reliability.

Growing Demand for LSAW Pipes in Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Projects

As the world transitions toward a low-carbon future, a growing trend in the LSAW pipe market is the increased demand from renewable energy projects, particularly in hydrogen transport and carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure. Governments and industries are investing heavily in clean energy initiatives, and LSAW pipes are emerging as critical components due to their ability to handle high pressure, harsh environments, and long-distance transport requirements.

In hydrogen infrastructure, large-diameter pipelines are needed to transport hydrogen either in gaseous or liquid form from production facilities to storage terminals and end-use locations. Because hydrogen is a small molecule with a tendency to cause embrittlement in materials, the integrity and quality of the pipe are crucial. LSAW pipes, with their precise dimensional control, uniform wall thickness, and superior welding properties, are well-suited to meet the safety and durability demands of hydrogen pipelines.

Similarly, in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, which involve transporting compressed CO₂ from industrial plants to underground storage sites, the reliability and corrosion resistance of the pipeline material are paramount. LSAW pipes are gaining preference in these applications because they can be produced with corrosion-resistant coatings and designed for deep-sea or remote terrain installations.

Furthermore, global efforts such as the EU Green Deal, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and national hydrogen roadmaps in countries like Japan, Germany, and Australia are leading to a pipeline of clean energy projects that will drive long-term LSAW pipe demand. These initiatives are fostering the creation of dedicated hydrogen and CO₂ pipeline corridors, which require large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines—an ideal match for LSAW technology. Renewable energy sources accounted for over 30% of global electricity generation in 2022, showing significant progress toward clean energy.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

Oil and Gas segment dominated the Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market in 2024 and is projected to maintain its leadership throughout the forecast period, primarily due to the increasing need for strong, high-capacity pipelines to transport crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products over long distances and under high pressure. LSAW pipes are specifically designed to handle such demanding applications, offering superior mechanical strength, weld quality, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions compared to other pipe types. As a result, they have become the preferred choice for cross-country pipeline projects, offshore drilling operations, and subsea installations.

Countries with significant oil and gas reserves—such as the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada—are heavily investing in the expansion and modernization of their pipeline infrastructure to support rising domestic consumption and export activities. Moreover, the global increase in exploration and production (E&P) activities in challenging terrains such as deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields has further increased the demand for high-performance LSAW pipes.

In addition, stricter regulatory standards for pipeline safety and environmental compliance are pushing oil and gas operators to adopt more reliable pipeline solutions, further solidifying the position of LSAW pipes in this sector. These pipes are also used in replacement projects for aging pipeline systems, ensuring continued safety and efficiency. Altogether, the oil and gas sector’s robust infrastructure needs and quality requirements have made it the largest and most influential end-use segment in the LSAW pipe market.

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Regional Insights

Largest Region

North America dominated the Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market in 2024 and is anticipated to maintain its leadership throughout the forecast period, primarily driven by extensive oil and gas infrastructure, technological advancements, and strong investment in pipeline development. The region, particularly the United States and Canada, is home to vast shale reserves and continues to witness a surge in exploration and production (E&P) activities. This has led to a high demand for durable and large-diameter pipes, especially for transporting oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products across long distances. LSAW pipes, known for their strength, dimensional accuracy, and reliability under high-pressure conditions, are widely utilized in these operations.

Additionally, several ongoing and planned pipeline projects across North America, such as the Keystone XL and the Permian Highway Pipeline, contribute to the steady demand for LSAW pipes. The region’s strict regulatory standards for pipeline safety and environmental compliance further push operators to choose high-quality pipe solutions, with LSAW pipes being a top choice due to their low defect rate and superior welding integrity.

North America also benefits from advanced manufacturing facilities, skilled labor, and access to quality raw materials, giving regional manufacturers a competitive edge. Moreover, the presence of key industry players and consistent government backing for energy infrastructure projects continue to boost market growth. These combined factors make North America not only a leading consumer but also a significant producer of LSAW pipes, solidifying its dominance in the global market landscape.

Emerging Region

South America is the emerging region in the Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market, driven by expanding energy infrastructure, increasing investments in oil and gas exploration, and rising demand for efficient pipeline solutions. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela possess significant hydrocarbon reserves and are actively working to enhance their production capabilities. This push for energy development is generating strong demand for robust pipeline systems capable of handling high pressure and harsh environmental conditions—an area where LSAW pipes excel due to their superior strength, welding quality, and dimensional precision.

Brazil, in particular, is leading the charge with major offshore oil projects in the pre-salt basin, which require large-diameter, corrosion-resistant pipes for deepwater transport. Similarly, Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation is fueling pipeline construction for domestic distribution and potential export, further boosting regional demand. Governments across South America are also increasing their focus on improving energy security and reducing reliance on imports, which is accelerating the pace of pipeline infrastructure upgrades.

In addition to oil and gas, South America is exploring the use of LSAW pipes in water management, mining, and industrial applications, broadening the market scope. As international investors and regional governments continue to prioritize infrastructure development, the market for LSAW pipes is expected to expand steadily. With a growing pipeline of energy projects and favorable economic conditions, South America is positioning itself as a promising and strategic region in the global LSAW pipe landscape.

 Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Welspun Corp is advancing aggressively in the pipe manufacturing industry with significant expansion plans in both India and the United States. The company, which produces pipes for oil and gas, water infrastructure, and hydrogen transport, is launching a new product line while also boosting its production capacity.
• In May 2025, Venus Pipes & Tubes Limited began operations at its new 3,600 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) value-added welded tubes facility located in Dhaneti, Gujarat. This addition brings the company’s total welded pipes and tubes capacity to 27,600 MTPA. This expansion marks Venus Pipes’ entry into a higher-margin product segment, aligning with its long-term goal to become a comprehensive piping solutions provider. The company plans to serve industries requiring critical applications, thereby strengthening its market position and reach.
• In July 2024, The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group launched its own brand of CO2-reduced steel pipe and tube products named Van Leeuwen Impact. This initiative supports the sustainability goals of its partners and customers within the steel pipe and tube sector. As demand for sustainable solutions rises, Van Leeuwen Impact offers businesses an opportunity to lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing product quality or performance.

Key Market Players

• Jindal Saw Limited
• Nippon Steel Corporation
• Welspun Corp Limited
• Tenaris S.A.
• Baosteel Group Corporation
• United States Steel Corporation
• Arabian Pipes Company
• EVRAZ North America

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market, By Manufacturing Process:

o   Hot Rolled

o   Cold Rolled        

• Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market, By Application:

o   Oil and Gas

o   Construction

o   Chemical Industry

o   Others         

• Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  Germany

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  South Korea

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Colombia

§  Argentina

o   Middle East & Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market.

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Global Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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