Global Longitudinal Seam Submerged Arc Welded (SAW) pipe market size was valued at USD 16.8 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 18.2 billion in 2025 to USD 27.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.
Longitudinal Seam SAW pipes are large-diameter steel pipes manufactured by forming steel plates and welding along a single longitudinal seam using the submerged arc welding process. These pipes offer superior strength, durability and corrosion resistance, making them essential for oil & gas transmission, water infrastructure and structural applications. The longitudinal seam design allows for larger diameters (up to 64 inches) compared to other pipe types.
Market growth is being driven by expanding energy infrastructure projects, particularly in emerging economies, along with increasing investments in pipeline networks for water distribution and hydrocarbon transportation. The replacement of aging pipelines in developed nations also contributes significantly to demand.
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Segmentation by Manufacturing Process
The Longitudinal Seam SAW pipe market can be divided into three primary manufacturing process segments:
1. UOE Process
The UOE (U-ing, O-ing, Expanding) process forms plates into pipes through sequential forming stages before final welding. This high-volume production method creates pipes with excellent dimensional accuracy and consistent quality.
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Market Insight: UOE accounts for 65-70% of global production due to its efficiency for large diameter pipes (24-64 inches). It dominates oil & gas transmission applications where strict dimensional tolerances are required.
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Trend: Recent technological advancements focus on improving forming precision and welding automation to enhance production rates and quality consistency.
2. JCOE Process
JCOE (J-ing, C-ing, O-ing, Expanding) is a more flexible process suitable for smaller batch production and non-standard sizes. It allows for quicker changeovers between pipe specifications.
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Market Insight: JCOE fills a crucial niche for custom pipe requirements in diameters from 16-56 inches. Its flexibility makes it preferred for specialized construction and industrial applications.
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Trend: Growing demand for tailored pipe solutions in Offshore Wind foundation structures and other renewable energy applications is boosting JCOE segment growth.
3. Other Processes
This category includes alternative forming methods like roll bending and presses, often used for small production runs or unique specifications.
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Market Insight: These methods account for less than 10% of the market but serve important niche applications where customization outweighs cost considerations.
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Trend: Some manufacturers are experimenting with hybrid processes combining UOE/JCOE advantages for specific market segments.
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Segmentation by Application
Longitudinal Seam SAW pipes serve critical functions across multiple industries:
1. Oil & Gas
The largest application segment, accounting for over 55% of demand. Includes transmission pipelines (both onshore and offshore), gathering lines, and distribution networks.
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Insight: Increasing energy demands and new pipeline projects in Asia, Africa and the Middle East are driving growth. Major pipeline projects like TurkStream and Nord Stream 2 demonstrate the technology’s importance.
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Trend: Higher-grade steel pipes (X70-X120) are gaining adoption to enable higher pressure operations and reduced wall thickness (lower material costs).
2. Construction & Utilities
Includes water transmission, sewage systems, structural columns/piling, and other infrastructure applications.
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Insight: Urbanization and water infrastructure modernization projects are key growth drivers, particularly in developing nations upgrading municipal systems.
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Trend: Increasing use of SAW pipes in offshore wind farm foundations represents an emerging high-growth application area.
3. Other Applications
Includes industrial processing, mining slurry transport, and specialized structural applications.
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Insight: While smaller in volume, these applications often command premium pricing due to specialized material or coating requirements.
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Trend: Growing mining activities are increasing demand for abrasion-resistant pipes in mineral transportation systems.
Segmentation by End-User
1. Oil & Gas Companies
Major integrated oil companies, pipeline operators and midstream companies are the primary customers for large-diameter transmission pipes.
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Insight: Strategic sourcing and long-term supply agreements characterize this segment. Suppliers must meet stringent quality and certification requirements.
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Trend: The shift towards decarbonization is causing some oil majors to diversify into hydrogen pipelines, creating new SAW pipe specifications.
2. Engineering & Construction Firms
EPC contractors procure pipes for infrastructure projects on behalf of utilities and governments.
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Insight: Price sensitivity is higher in this segment, with strong competition among pipe manufacturers for large project bids.
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Trend: Modular construction techniques are increasing demand for prefabricated pipe spools with complex configurations.
3. Utility Operators
Water and sewage authorities managing municipal infrastructure upgrades and expansions.
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Insight: Procurement cycles often align with government budget cycles and infrastructure spending plans.
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Trend: Increasing focus on corrosion-resistant materials to extend asset lifespans in water applications.
4. Industrial Plants
Manufacturing facilities requiring heavy-duty piping for process applications or structural uses.
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Insight: Demand varies significantly by industry (chemical, mining, power generation), with each having specialized material requirements.
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Trend: Growth in LNG facilities is creating new demand for cryogenic-grade SAW pipes.
5. Renewable Energy Developers
Emerging segment focused on offshore wind projects and hydrogen infrastructure.
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Insight: While currently small, this segment has the highest growth potential as renewable energy investments accelerate globally.
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Trend: Offshore wind monopile foundations require innovative pipe designs combining structural strength with fatigue resistance.
Read Full Report Here: Longitudinal Seam SAW pipe Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The Longitudinal Seam SAW pipe market demonstrates diverse dynamics across its segments. By process, UOE dominates volume production while JCOE offers flexibility for specialized applications. By application, oil & gas remains the primary driver but renewable energy applications are emerging as a significant growth area. By end-user, traditional energy companies currently lead demand, but infrastructure developers and renewable energy firms are becoming increasingly important.
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