• Analysis and Studies
• Rubber pipes: import and export

Overview

Rubber pipes play a modest but significant role in global trade. As of 2022, they were ranked as the 336th most traded product in the world, with total trade reaching $11.8 billion. This marks a 4.2% increase from $11.3 billion in 2021, highlighting steady growth in demand. Despite their specialized applications, rubber pipes account for 0.05% of the total global trade volume, underscoring their niche yet valuable contribution to the global economy.

Rubber pipes belong to the broader category of rubber products, specifically "Rubber & articles thereof”. This category includes various subtypes of rubber tubing, such as:

• Rubber tubes, pipes, or hoses with fittings,
• Textile-reinforced rubber hoses without fittings,
• Metal-reinforced rubber hoses without fittings,
• Non-reinforced rubber hoses without fittings, and
• Other reinforced rubber hoses not elsewhere specified, without fittings.

Exports

The global market for rubber pipes is dominated by a handful of leading exporters. In 2022, China emerged as the largest exporter with $1.55 billion in trade, followed closely by the United States ($1.12 billion), Germany ($1.1 billion), Mexico ($841 million), and Italy ($695 million). These countries benefit from robust manufacturing sectors and access to key markets.

Imports

On the import side, the United States led with $2.15 billion worth of rubber pipes purchased in 2022. Germany followed at $1.08 billion, while Canada ($558 million), Mexico ($518 million), and France ($458 million) rounded out the top five importers. The significant overlap between leading exporters and importers, such as the U.S. and Germany, indicates a complex supply chain where countries both produce and consume rubber pipes.

Ranking and Applications

Rubber pipes rank 259th on the Product Complexity Index (PCI), which measures the technological sophistication and know-how required for their production. This relatively high ranking reflects the advanced manufacturing techniques and material science needed to create durable, high-quality rubber products.

Applications and Use Cases

Vulcanized rubber tubes, pipes, and hoses serve a diverse range of industries. Their primary purpose is the transport of liquids or gases, making them indispensable in construction and industrial processes. Additionally, they are used in manufacturing a variety of goods, from toys to machinery components, illustrating their versatility and importance in both consumer and industrial markets.

In summary, the trade of rubber pipes is a steadily growing and technologically significant segment of global trade, supported by key players in both production and consumption. Their wide range of applications ensures ongoing demand across multiple industries.

Source: https://oec.world/