• Analysis and Studies
• Copper pipes: import and export

Copper pipes are a reliable option for a variety of plumbing, heating, and industrial applications, valued for their durability, resistance to corrosion, and long service life.

They offer several advantages, even though there are some drawbacks: their malleability and flexibility make installation straightforward and quick, they are visually appealing, are recyclable and their antimicrobial properties help maintain a clean plumbing system. However, they are more expensive than the plastic alternatives.

They are widely used in various applications: their corrosion resistance makes them suitable for water supply and distribution systems, their durability leads them to be used in HVAC systems for refrigerant lines, and they are ideal for natural gas supply lines thanks to the resistance to high temperatures.

In 2022, copper pipes were the world's 362nd most traded product, with a total trade of $10.4B, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 8.46%, from $9.62B to $10.4B.

In 2022 the country which exported the product the most was China, with a trade of $2.35B, followed by Vietnam ($1.15B), Germany ($964M), Italy ($749M), and Greece ($717M). Whereas the most significant importer was the United States, with a trade of $1.32B, ahead of India ($861M), Thailand ($531M), Italy ($472M), and Germany ($471M).

 The graphic highlights Asia's significant role in copper trade, Europe's strong regional networks, and varying degrees of market concentration among key exporters. China’s copper pipe exports are widely diversified across multiple regions, making it less vulnerable to market-specific risks, while Vietnam’s portfolio is more concentrated, with over half of its exports going to India.

Germany and Italy focus mainly on intra-European trade, reflecting strong EU ties, though Italy has a more balanced global presence; Greece similarly relies heavily on European markets, but also has some non-European trade. Countries like Vietnam and Greece face higher trade dependency risks, while China and Italy, with more diverse markets, have more stability.

1. China (22.6%): 17.2% Thailand, 9.02% Chinese Taipei, 7.24% Malaysia, 6.15% United States, 5.25% Japan, 3.71% Indonesia, 3.6% Australia, 3.46% South Korea, 3.29% Turkey, 2.56% India, 2.52% Egypt, 1.36% France, 0.78% Italy, 0.73% Germany
2. Vietnam (11%): 53.9% India, 11.8% South Korea, 4.6% Thailand, 4.21% Italy, 3.09% United Kingdom, 2.67% Japan, 1.9% Spain, 1.2% United States, 1.18% Malaysia, 1.06% France
3. Germany (9.24%): 13.3% Italy, 12.1% Poland, 9.47% Czechia, 8.01% United Kingdom, 6.71% France, 5.32% Netherlands, 4.98% United States, 2.8% Spain, 1.79% Turkey
4. Italy (7.18%): 20.9% France, 12% Germany, 8.61% Poland, 5.43% United States, 5.33% Spain, 3.74% Algeria, 3.62% Czechia, 3.48% United Kingdom, 2.53% Turkey
5. Greece (6.87%): 13.3% Italy, 13.2% United Kingdom, 12.6% France, 11.5% Germany, 7.99% Spain, 6.22% Turkey, 4.14% United States, 3.35% Czechia, 1.85% Poland, 1.53% Algeria

 We can observe a mix of regional and global dependencies. The United States has a well-diversified portfolio, sourcing from multiple regions, minimizing its exposure to supply disruptions. In contrast, India and Thailand show heavy reliance on single suppliers (Vietnam for India and China for Thailand), increasing their risk if these supply chains are interrupted.

Italy and Germany predominantly source from European partners like Greece, Austria, and Poland, while also maintaining smaller global connections: this regional focus provides stability but could make them vulnerable to shifts within the European market.

1. United States (12.7%): 17.5% South Korea, 14.5% Canada, 11.9% Mexico, 11% China, 10.5% Thailand, 8.31% Bahrain, 4.16% Brazil, 3.63% Germany, 3.08% Italy, 2.25% Greece, 1.37% Austria, 1.04% Finland, 1.04% Vietnam
2. India (8.26%): 71.8% Vietnam, 12.3% Malaysia, 7% China, 4.2% Thailand, 2.45% South Korea, 1.17% Hong Kong
3. Thailand (5.1%): 76.4% China, 9.92% Vietnam, 5.25% Hong Kong, 3.88% Malaysia, 2.63% South Korea
4. Italy (4.52%): 27.2% Germany, 20.2% Greece, 12.3% Mexico, 10.2% Vietnam, 7.12% Finland, 3.89% China, 3.52% France, 2.08% Austria, 1.81% Poland
5. Germany (4.51%): 24.9% Austria, 19.1% Italy, 17.6% Greece, 9.19% Poland, 2.4% Finland, 3.64% China, 3.22% Vietnam

 Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was Vietnam, with an increase of $299M, ahead of China ($228M), Malaysia ($58.1M), Bahrain ($57M), and Uzbekistan ($45.8M).

1. Vietnam: from $848M to $1.15B
2. China: from $2.13B to $2.35B
3. Malaysia: from $385M to $443M
4. Bahrain: from $84.9M to $142M
5. Uzbekistan: from $110M to $156M

 Whereas the imports grew the fastest in India, with an increase of $248M, followed by United States ($196M), Thailand ($70.4M), Saudi Arabia ($66M), and United Arab Emirates ($53.2M).

1. India: from $613M to $861M
2. United States: from $1.13B to $1.32B
3. Thailand: from $461M to $531M
4. Saudi Arabia: from $150M to $216M
5. United Arab Emirates: from $126M to $180M

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