Carbon Steel Pipe & Tube Cost, CS Pipe Price

The cost of carbon steel pipe (CS pipe) is affected by many factors, including raw material prices, production process, market demand, policy environment, etc. The following is an analysis of the main cost structure and influencing factors:

1. Raw material cost (main influencing factor)

Carbon steel plate/alloy steel plate: accounts for 50%~70% of the production cost, and price fluctuations directly affect the cost of carbon steel pipe.
Iron ore, coke, scrap steel: Changes in the price of upstream raw materials in the steel industry (such as international iron ore prices) will be transmitted to the cost of carbon steel pipes.

Alloy elements (such as Mn, Si): If high-strength carbon steel pipes are used, the increase in alloy components will increase the cost.

2. Production process cost

Hot rolling: Hot rolling has low energy consumption, fewer processes, and lower costs. It is mainly used for thick-walled pipes and building structure pipes.
Cold rolling/cold drawing: The cost is higher (annealing and finishing are required), and it is mainly used for high-precision thin-walled pipes and mechanical parts.
Welded pipes: The cost is lower than seamless pipes, and it is mainly used for low-pressure fluid transportation (such as water pipes).

Key process cost factors:
Energy consumption (electricity, gas)
Equipment depreciation (such as cold rolling mills, annealing furnaces)
Labor costs (skilled workers' salaries)

3. Market and policy factors

Demand fluctuations: Demand growth in industries such as construction and petrochemicals will push up prices.
Environmental protection policies: Production restrictions or emission reduction requirements may increase corporate environmental protection equipment investment (such as desulfurization facilities) and increase costs.
International trade: Import tariffs and export tax rebate policies affect the final price.

4. Other cost factors

Logistics and transportation: Long-distance transportation increases costs.
Quality certification: For example, EN10204 3.1 certification may increase testing costs.
Inventory management: When the supply chain is tight, inventory costs rise.

5. Cost optimization suggestions

Purchasing strategy: Pay attention to the futures market of iron ore and coke, and lock in low-priced raw materials.
Process improvement: Use efficient rolling technology to reduce energy consumption.
Supply chain management: Cooperate with stable suppliers to reduce the risk of logistics delays.

Policy utilization: Apply for environmental protection subsidies or tax incentives.

Key factors affecting the price of carbon steel pipes:

(1) Production process
Hot-rolled seamless pipe: low cost, price about 4000-6000 yuan/ton (such as 20# steel).
Cold drawn/cold rolled pipe: high precision, price 5000-8000 yuan/ton (such as 45# precision pipe).
Welded steel pipe: most economical, price 3000-4500 yuan/ton (such as Q235 welded pipe).

(2) Specifications and dimensions
Small diameter pipe (<50mm): 4000-6000 yuan/ton.
Large diameter pipe (>200mm): 6000-8000 yuan/ton.
Influence of wall thickness: such as 4-inch × 3.5mm welded pipe is about 28-55 yuan/piece (6 meters fixed length).

(3) Regional differences
In areas with fierce competition, the price is lower.

(4) Market dynamics
Raw material fluctuations: Rising prices of iron ore and coke will push up the cost of carbon steel pipes.
Policy impact: Environmental protection production restrictions may reduce supply, leading to short-term price increases.

Recent price trends of carbon steel pipes:
June 2025: The average price of ordinary carbon steel welded pipes is about RMB 3,800/ton, and the average price of seamless pipes is about RMB 5,800/ton.
Forecast: Driven by infrastructure demand in the second half of the year, prices may rise slightly (+5%~10%).

Purchasing suggestions:
Bulk purchases: Large orders are negotiable (e.g. ＞100 tons discount of 5%~10%).
Pay attention to steel mill policies: such as monthly price adjustment announcements of Baosteel and Ansteel.
Select suppliers: Choose regions with strong price competitiveness.

Conclusion:

The cost of carbon steel pipes is mainly composed of "raw materials (50%~70%) + production process (20%~30%) + market/policy factors (10%~20%)". Enterprises can control costs by optimizing procurement, improving processes and paying attention to policy dynamics. The specific price needs to be combined with the real-time market situation.

Read more: Seamless Pipe vs Welded Pipe Price or Carbon Steel Pipe Schedule Chart