As the global economy continues its steady recovery and infrastructure investments surge worldwide, the steel industry has once again emerged as a central force driving industrial development. According to the World Steel Association, global crude steel production in April 2025 increased by 2.6percent year-on-year, signaling a clear rebound in demand across major regions.

Asia, Europe, and North America Show Robust Demand

In Asia, rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure projects have fueled surging steel consumption. Europe, following rounds of policy-driven economic recovery, is witnessing growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile, North America is also reporting steady demand for steel across energy, transportation, and industrial construction projects. These signals of demand from major economies are injecting new momentum into the global steel supply chain.

China Leads Global Production and Expands Carbon Steel Export

China remains the world’s top steel producer, accounting for over 50percent of global output. This dominance is supported by the ongoing implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the steady advancement of its new urbanization strategy. These programs are driving demand for advanced steel products in sectors such as railways, highways, bridges, and municipal engineering.

Among China's star products in the global market is the carbon steel welded spiral oil pipe, widely used in long-distance oil and gas transmission. With superior strength, corrosion resistance, and weld consistency, this type of pipe is ideal for harsh environments and heavy-load applications.

Other carbon steel pipeline products such as:

• Seamless carbon steel pipes

• Welded carbon steel pipes

• Carbon steel pipe fittings

• Heavy-duty carbon steel tubing

…are gaining traction in international markets across the energy, mining, water supply, and construction sectors.

Green Steelmaking Becomes the Industry’s New Normal

Leading Chinese steelmakers such as Baowu Steel Group and Shougang Group are investing heavily in green steel innovation. Projects such as hydrogen metallurgy, electric arc furnace (EAF) short-process flows, and smart blast furnaces are being implemented to significantly reduce emissions and energy consumption.

These technological advances are also applied to carbon steel production, improving strength-to-weight ratios, optimizing corrosion protection layers, and enabling lower-emission fabrication processes for welded pipes and fittings.

Export Growth Driven by Emerging Markets

In Q1 2025, China exported 23.1 million tons of steel, up 12.4percent YoY. Demand is especially strong in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where infrastructure construction and energy development projects are booming. Carbon steel pipelines and associated components have become key materials in national projects such as refineries, metro systems, and cross-border oil & gas corridors.

In Western markets such as Europe and North America, stricter environmental regulations are being met through accelerated product certifications and green compliance efforts. Chinese suppliers are now offering internationally-certified carbon steel solutions tailored to the needs of each region.

Outlook: Smart, Green, and Globalized Steel Future

According to industry experts, the steel sector is rapidly entering a phase of convergence among digital transformation, green low-carbon processes, and global competitiveness. For carbon steel suppliers in China, this means embracing intelligent manufacturing, expanding the product mix, and building vertically integrated value chains.

Chinese manufacturers are becoming reliable global providers of customized carbon steel pipeline solutions, combining technical innovation with high-quality service. With continued investments in digital systems and sustainable development, China’s steel industry is poised to lead the next wave of global steel evolution.

Carbon steel is no longer just the structural backbone of modern industry—it is now a symbol of high-quality, sustainable development and global industrial connectivity.