Process Piping Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Steam Process Piping, Wastewater Piping, Crude Oil Piping, Acid Piping, Refrigerant Piping, Fuel Transfer Piping), By End Use (Oil Refineries, Food And Beverage Manufacturing, Paper Mills, Power Plants, Chemical Processing), By Region, and By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.66 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.92%
Fastest Growing Segment	Crude Oil Piping
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 10.52 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Process Piping Market will grow from USD 6.66 Billion in 2025 to USD 10.52 Billion by 2031 at a 7.92% CAGR. Process piping consists of the specialized components and pipework used to convey fluids, gases, and slurries within industrial facilities, distinct from standard plumbing or transport pipelines. The market is primarily supported by rising global energy demand and the expansion of chemical processing infrastructure which necessitates robust conveyance systems. These fundamental drivers ensure continued demand for materials capable of withstanding high pressure and corrosive environments. According to the American Chemistry Council, in 2024, capital spending on projects within the chemical industry rose by 4.1% to $34 billion, signaling sustained investment in sectors reliant on these systems.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the volatility of raw material prices. Unpredictable fluctuations in the cost of steel and alloys complicate project budgeting and often delay final investment decisions for major industrial plants. Additionally, the industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled pipefitters and welders, which restricts the capacity of contractors to execute complex installations on schedule and increases overall project costs.

Key Market Drivers

Rising investments in oil and gas exploration and refining activities are fundamentally reshaping the global process piping landscape. As energy companies push into deeper waters and more challenging geological formations, the demand for high-strength, corrosion-resistant piping systems capable of withstanding extreme pressures has intensified. This trend is further amplified by the need to upgrade aging downstream infrastructure to meet cleaner fuel standards, requiring advanced alloy piping. According to Saudi Aramco, March 2025, in the 'Full-Year 2024 Results' report, the company's capital investment reached $53.3 billion in 2024, underscoring the massive scale of funding directed toward maintaining and expanding hydrocarbon capabilities. Broader market momentum is evident as well; according to the International Energy Agency, in 2025, global energy investment is set to reach an unprecedented $3.3 trillion, creating sustained demand for specialized conveyance networks across the entire energy sector.

Growing capital expenditure in water and wastewater treatment facilities serves as a second critical engine for market expansion. Rapid urbanization and escalating water scarcity are compelling municipalities and industries to modernize their water management infrastructure, necessitating robust piping networks for desalination, filtration, and effluent treatment. These projects require materials that ensure zero leakage and long-term durability against chemical degradation to ensure regulatory compliance. According to White & Case LLP, May 2025, in the 'Currents of Capital 2025' report, 72% of organisations expect to invest more in 2025 compared to the prior year, highlighting a decisive shift toward upgrading global water systems. This surge in funding directly translates into increased procurement of process piping to support both new facility construction and the rehabilitation of existing utility networks.

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Key Market Challenges

The shortage of skilled pipefitters and welders constitutes a severe structural impediment to the growth of the Global Process Piping Market. Specialized piping networks require precise execution by certified tradespeople to ensure they can safely contain high-pressure fluids and hazardous chemicals. However, an aging workforce and a lack of new entrants have created a critical deficit in available talent, limiting the operational capacity of installation contractors. This scarcity forces engineering firms to decline bid invitations or extend project timelines, directly reducing the volume of work the market can sustain and slowing the deployment of new energy and chemical infrastructure.

The scale of this labor gap significantly impacts project economics and feasibility. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, in 2024, the construction industry needed to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of normal hiring rates to meet labor demand. This substantial shortfall creates fierce competition for qualified personnel, driving up labor rates and inflating overall capital project costs. Consequently, industrial investors often delay or cancel planned facility expansions due to these unpredictable execution costs, thereby stifling the revenue potential and expansion of the process piping sector.

Key Market Trends

The focus on sustainable piping solutions for green hydrogen constitutes a transformative trend, necessitating materials that can withstand the unique metallurgical challenges of clean energy transport. Unlike traditional hydrocarbon infrastructure, hydrogen conveyance requires piping systems resistant to embrittlement and high-pressure leakage, driving a shift toward specialized high-performance alloys and non-metallic composites. This transition is moving beyond theoretical planning into execution; according to the International Energy Agency, September 2025, in the 'Global Hydrogen Review 2025', the capacity of low-carbon hydrogen projects that have reached final investment decision increased by 20% compared to the previous year, signaling a concrete acceleration in the construction of these specialized conveyance networks.

Concurrently, the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology is fundamentally altering how process piping systems are monitored and maintained. Operators are increasingly adopting predictive models where digital replicas of physical piping assets simulate flow dynamics and stress loads in real-time, allowing for the preemptive identification of corrosion or structural failures before they disrupt operations. This digital evolution is critical for optimizing efficiency and safety in complex industrial plants. According to Rockwell Automation, March 2025, in the '10th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report', 95% of manufacturers have either already invested in or plan to invest in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, reflecting a decisive sector-wide commitment to modernizing industrial infrastructure through digital integration.

Segmental Insights

The Crude Oil Piping segment is recognized as the fastest-growing category within the Global Process Piping Market, driven by the escalating necessity for efficient energy transportation infrastructure. As global petroleum demand rises, nations are heavily investing in expanding their refining and extraction capabilities, necessitating extensive piping networks to manage increased throughput. Furthermore, adherence to rigorous material and safety standards established by the American Petroleum Institute compels operators to upgrade aging systems to mitigate environmental risks. This dual demand for new installations and infrastructure modernization ensures that the Crude Oil Piping segment maintains its accelerated expansion trajectory.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the Global Process Piping Market, supported by a robust industrial base encompassing oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation. The region's dominance is primarily driven by the ongoing expansion of energy infrastructure and the modernization of existing facilities to ensure operational safety. Additionally, strict adherence to engineering standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) mandates the deployment of durable, compliant piping systems. This strong regulatory framework, coupled with sustained investments in downstream energy projects, secures North America’s status as the central hub for market activity.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, in consortium with an engineering partner, initiated the execution phase of a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at a cement plant in the United Kingdom. Following a final investment decision, the company began the engineering and procurement of a carbon capture facility capable of capturing approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The project scope includes the installation of advanced process piping and compressor systems required to condition and transport the captured emissions. This initiative represents a significant breakthrough in industrial decarbonization, utilizing proprietary technology to reduce the environmental impact of cement production.
• In May 2025, GF Piping Systems announced an agreement to acquire the VAG-Group, a German manufacturer of water utility valves, for approximately CHF 200 million. This acquisition was designed to expand the company's presence in the infrastructure market by complementing its existing plastic piping portfolio with high-performance metal valves and hydrants. The strategic move aims to provide customers with complete, leak-free solutions for the safe transport of water and wastewater. The transaction enables the company to offer a broader range of products for urban water management and industrial applications, strengthening its footprint in Europe and the Middle East.
• In January 2025, Bilfinger entered into a strategic ten-year framework agreement with Gasunie to support the maintenance and expansion of its gas transport network in the Netherlands. The partnership involves comprehensive engineering and technical services for the operator's extensive infrastructure, which includes pipelines, stations, and installations. A key objective of this collaboration is to prepare the existing piping systems for the energy transition, specifically for the transport of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This long-term contract positions the company as a central partner in modernizing the national energy grid and ensuring sustainable supply security.
• In December 2024, Wood Group secured three significant agreements with a global energy major to support its portfolio of projects worldwide. These contracts, which are set for an initial term of three years with potential extensions, involve the provision of engineering, procurement, and construction management services. The scope of work encompasses the maintenance and modification of onshore and offshore assets, including complex process piping systems and subsea infrastructure. This collaboration aims to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the energy company's operations across multiple regions, reinforcing a long-standing strategic partnership between the two organizations.

Key Market Players

• Fluor Corporation
• TechnipFMC
• Saipem
• Chiyoda Corporation
• JGC Holdings Corporation
• KBR, Inc.
• Worley
• Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
• Wood
• Hatch

By Product	By End Use	By Region
Steam Process Piping Wastewater Piping Crude Oil Piping Acid Piping Refrigerant Piping Fuel Transfer Piping	Oil Refineries Food And Beverage Manufacturing Paper Mills Power Plants Chemical Processing	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Process Piping Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Process Piping Market, By Product:

• Steam Process Piping
• Wastewater Piping
• Crude Oil Piping
• Acid Piping
• Refrigerant Piping
• Fuel Transfer Piping

• Process Piping Market, By End Use:

• Oil Refineries
• Food And Beverage Manufacturing
• Paper Mills
• Power Plants
• Chemical Processing

• Process Piping Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE