Page 14 - ITAtube Journal 2 2022

Market information
as well as Düsseldorf and Muelheim in Germany.
This will not only mean the abandonment of prominent milestones in the European pipe manufacturing tradition, but it also remains to be seen to what extent the quality products from these plants can be taken over by other producers without any loss of quality. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether these closures will cause pipe prices to rise further.
In general, there is enough production capacity to serve even the increased demand for tubes and pipes for all market segments. Raw material prices for the steel as well as the tube and pipe industry would seem to have peaked by the end of 2021.
Energy costs, however, remain high and climb even further since market interven- tions (e.g. OPEC plus) and warlike actions call free world trade into question. Further challenge may be imposed, if political measures to prevent climate change are not introduced in a balanced way, with possible consequences being the migration of high energy consuming industries to low- er-cost regions. Nonetheless, if the balance of supply and demand within the tubes and pipes industry can be restored, price vola- tility can be expected to calm down. Tube plant infrastructure with respect to tube mills and finishing lines as well as applied quality assurance systems also plays a significant role. Growing importance can be attributed to agile management strategies regarding customer benefit, process and product quality enhancement as well as purchasing processes by applying “Industry 4.0” measures.
With an eye to the return to something
like normal, it should be noted that plant builders and technology suppliers alike may find interesting business opportunities in this new market segment. Some technol- ogy suppliers have already reacted and enhanced their product portfolio with the addition of digital solutions.
It is good to realize, that besides the virtual exchange in our industry, such as the webi- nars organized by the International Tube Association (ITA) now again hybrid or even personal events for industrial exchange take place.
It is great to meet tube producers as well as suppliers to the tube and pipe industry at our world largest tube and pipe show “Tube Düsseldorf 2022”.
VOSCO
Management Consultancy GmbH
Leading by Experience – Our aim is the lasting enhancement of the value of your company
• Board- and Advisory Board Man- dates
• Advisory Services for Investment Projects
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Scharnhorststraße 45 41063 Mönchengladbach/ Germany
+49 2161309255 contact@vosco.net www.vosco.net
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ITAtube Journal June 2022