Seamless steel pipe price list

As of the third quarter of 2025, the global seamless steel pipe market showed a generally upward trend, with noticeable regional differences. Price movements were mainly influenced by higher raw material and energy costs, increased oil and gas investment, a steady recovery of global infrastructure projects, and logistical uncertainties caused by geopolitical tensions.

1. North America & Europe — Prices Rose Significantly

Price Range (API & structural seamless pipes):
USD 950 – 1150 / ton

Key drivers:

Continued rebound in U.S. oil and gas activity, including higher shale gas rig counts

Ongoing demand generated by Europe’s energy transition initiatives

Recovery in manufacturing PMI combined with rising local labor and operational costs

2. Middle East & South America — Strong Demand for High-Pressure Energy Pipes

High-pressure oil casing pipes and line pipes saw notable price increases as large-scale oil and gas exploration projects continued to expand.

High-grade API 5CT / API 5L pipes:
≥ USD 1200 / ton

Main contributing factors:

Sustained upstream investment

Strong procurement demand for high-grade materials in offshore and onshore fields

3. Southeast Asia & India — Prices Remained Relatively Stable

Thanks to the release of new regional production capacity, price volatility was lower compared with other regions.

Structural pipes, medium- and low-pressure fluid pipes:
USD 850 – 980 / ton

Additional notes:

Competitive regional production

Stable demand from construction, manufacturing, and general engineering sectors

Seamless Steel Pipe Price Reference (2025 Q3)

Below is a typical FOB price reference for common seamless steel pipe specifications in the international market. Actual prices may vary depending on origin, transportation method, packaging, certification requirements, and order quantity.

Key Factors Influencing Seamless Steel Pipe Costs

1. Raw Material Prices

Fluctuations in iron ore, scrap steel, and coke directly shape production costs.
Stainless steel pipes are highly sensitive to nickel prices — 316L > 304, and higher grades naturally come with higher material costs.

Typical comparison:
316L seamless pipe pricing is 3–4× that of carbon steel.

2. Manufacturing Processes & Equipment

Producing seamless steel pipes requires specialized processes such as hot rolling, cold drawing, and heat treatment.

Hot-rolled seamless pipes – lower cost, moderate precision, most economical.

Cold-drawn seamless pipes – high precision, smooth finish, 10–30% more expensive.

Heat-treated pipes (normalizing/tempering) – enhanced mechanical performance, +30–80 USD/ton.

Ultrasonic or hydrostatic testing – required for high-spec applications, +20–60 USD/ton.

3. Size Specifications

Outer diameter (OD), wall thickness (WT), and length have a direct impact on price.

Larger OD → higher cost

Doubling the wall thickness → cost increases by 90–110%

Custom lengths → additional processing fees

4. Material Grades & Quality Standards

High-grade steels and pipes manufactured to stringent specifications (e.g., API 5L, ASTM A335, EN 10216) require tighter quality control and more mandatory inspections.

These factors raise costs but ensure reliability for demanding environments such as high-pressure boilers and oil & gas pipelines.

5. Surface Treatment & Coatings

Many pipes undergo coatings to improve corrosion resistance and extend service life.

Typical cost add-ons:

Black painting: +10–25 USD/ton

3LPE / 3LPP coating: +80–150 USD/ton

Galvanizing: +120–500 USD/ton (depending on zinc prices)

6. Order Quantity & Lead Time

Bulk purchases generally receive cost advantages, as production setup costs are spread across larger volumes.
Small batches or urgent orders may incur surcharges due to additional labor, setup time, or expedited logistics.

7. Logistics & Country of Origin

Steel pipes from regions with lower labor and energy costs (China, India, Turkey) usually offer more competitive pricing.
However, import duties, international freight, and transit times can influence the final landed cost.

FAQ

1. How much more expensive are seamless pipes compared to welded pipes?
Typically 30%–100% more, depending on material and application.

2. Is seamless pipe always more expensive?
Yes. Seamless production is more complex, involves higher standards, and generates more material waste.

3. What is the typical price range for seamless carbon steel pipes?

ASTM A106 Gr.B: 1,800–2,300 USD/ton

API 5L Gr.B: 1,900–2,400 USD/ton

API 5L X52–X70: 4,500–9,000 USD/ton