2025 Q4 Market Update: Rising Sea Freight Costs and Supply Chain Planning for Steel Pipes
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Tianjin Sanon Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. is a stockist. Our stock factory is in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province. Our main sources of goods are boiler pipes, and the representative materials are ASTM A335 P5/P11/P91/P92, ASME SA-106/SA-106M GR.B, GB/T 3087-2008 10#/20#. The representative materials of pipeline pipes are API 5L, API 5CT, the representative materials of petroleum cracking pipes GB/T 9948 are 15MoG/12CrMoVG. GB/T 6479-2013 represents the material 10#/20#, heat exchanger tubes SA179/SA210/SA192, etc., mechanical tubes GB/T 8162 represent the material 10#/20#/Q345/42CrMo, EN10210 represents the material S355JOH/S355J2H, gas cylinder tubes GB1 8248, represent the material 34CrMo4/30CrMo.
Global Shipping Costs Continue Upward Trend
International sea freight rates have shown consistent increases as we move through the final quarter of 2025. Major shipping routes, particularly from Asia to key global markets, are experiencing rate hikes of 15-25% compared to Q3 levels. This trend is expected to continue through the end of the year, directly impacting total delivered costs for steel pipe shipments.
Steel Pipe Market Maintains Stable Production
Despite shipping challenges, manufacturing operations for seamless steel pipes remain stable across major production regions. Lead times for carbon steel pipes and alloy steel pipes currently average 30-45 days, with consistent output for ASTM A106 Grade B pipes and API 5L pipeline tubes.
Key Market Factors Affecting Delivery Timelines
Several market conditions require attention in current procurement planning:
Sea freight costs have risen 15-25% across main trade lanes
Vessel space remains tight, especially for large diameter steel pipe shipments
Precision steel tubes and hydraulic cylinder tubes require specialized handling
Stainless steel pipes and duplex pipes maintain standard production lead times
Heat exchanger tubes and boiler tubes continue with normal certification processes
Strategic Procurement Recommendations
To ensure optimal pricing and reliable delivery for your steel pipes and tubing products, we suggest:
Advance ordering for ASTM A335 pipes and high pressure pipes
Consolidated shipments for carbon tubing and alloy tubing requirements
Early confirmation of oil country tubular goods specifications
Proactive planning for seamless line pipe projects
Market Outlook and Planning Considerations
Industry indicators show steady demand for mechanical tubing and seamless pipes through Q1 2026. While raw material costs show relative stability, the increasing freight component continues to affect total delivered costs. The welded steel pipe segment offers some alternatives for non-critical applications, though seamless pipes remain essential for high-pressure services.
Planning for Q1 2026 Requirements
Current market conditions emphasize the importance of early procurement planning. We recommend reviewing your requirements for low temperature service pipes and corrosion resistant alloys to secure competitive pricing and ensure timely delivery.
Contact our sales team to discuss your specific needs for seamless steel pipes, alloy steel pipes, and carbon steel pipes. We can provide current market information and help develop the most efficient supply chain strategy for your project requirements.
