PUBLISHER: Freedonia Group | PRODUCT CODE: 1125268
PUBLISHER: Freedonia Group | PRODUCT CODE: 1125268
This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $17.0 billion US plastic pipe industry. It presents historical demand data (2011, 2016, and 2021) and forecasts (2026 and 2031) by resin (PVC, HDPE, PEX, fiberglass, CPVC, ABS, other plastic) and market (structural and mechanical, potable water, oil and natural gas, storm and sanitary sewer, conduit, industrial processing, drain, waste, and vent, and irrigation). The study evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including JM Eagle, Atkore International Group, Advances Drainage Systems, INEOS Group, and Westlake Chemical.
Demand for plastic pipe is expected to rise 2.9% annually to $19.6 billion in 2026, a significant deceleration from the 2016-2021 period due to a notable slowdown in price growth from a high 2021 level. Demand will be driven by installation of pipe in the potable water, conduit, DWV, and storm and sanitary sewer markets as well as by the increasing use of larger diameter plastic pipes in some applications:
In 2021, average prices of PVC and PEX spiked 38% and 25%, respectively. The significant increase in prices was due to:
These price increases led to a massive spike in pipe demand in value terms. In linear feet terms, demand continued to grow despite rising prices, as the continued strength of home construction and renovation supported sales of potable water pipe.
Demand for HDPE and PEX pipe is expected to grow rapidly due to a number of performance advantages enabled by the flexibility of these materials. HDPE will find the greatest sales opportunities in the storm and sanitary sewer market, while PEX will continue to gain share in potable water distribution:
Water and sewer supply construction spending is forecast to see relatively healthy growth through 2026, as many communities face replacement of their aging water infrastructure. Federal spending is expected to constitute a significant driver of growth in these applications, boosted by the passage of federal infrastructure legislation.