ITA news

The ITAtube Conference 2025, held on 8 October 2025 in a hybrid format, brought together leading experts from the tube and pipe industry to discuss current market trends, technological innovations, and global challenges. Under the motto “Tube and Pipe Industry Outlook – focus North America”, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the sector’s most important developments and future perspectives.
The International Tube Association (ITA), together with the ITA North American Board, organised the hybrid conference with senior experts from the US and Europe to discuss the commercial consequences and opportunities arising from new geopolitical developments. The focus was on the US market, although challenges for other regions were also highlighted. Specialists from nine countries participated in the event.
Organised by the ITA, the event attracted professionals from over nine countries and placed particular emphasis on the North American market, which plays a central role in the global industry. In addition to presentations on market analyses and geopolitical developments, panels addressed topics such as the OCTG market, line pipe market, and current challenges such as skills shortages.

Speakers & Presentations – Conference Highlights

Dr Gunther Voswinckel
Welcome | Global Tube Market
ITA President, welcomed participants and provided an overview of the global tube and pipe market.

Dr Heinz‑Jürgen Büchner
Commodity Consultant and former Managing Director Industrials & Automotive at IKBank
European/Asian Tube Industry Outlook

Sarados Milios
CEO of Welspun Corp. Limited
Line Pipes – A Fast-developing US Market Segment

Christian Haferkamp
General Manager Technical Sales & Technology Tube & Pipe Plants at SMS group
OCTG Casing Market: Bridging Skills, Technology & Market Demands

Edson Eufrasio
EEndt consulting, formerly Director of NDT for Vallourec &

Matthew Rutledge
VP of PITCO LLC

The New Era of MFL Testing in OCTG –
Non-destructive testing (NDT) experts presented modern Magnetic Flux Leakage testing methods for OCTG.
Panel Discussion – North America Tube and Pipe Industry Outlook
A panel of six international tube industry specialists discussed the trends and challenges facing the industry. Key points included:

• Increasing demand for specific material properties is creating growing challenges regarding raw material supply in the US.
• Line pipe demand is so high that even investment in additional local US capacity will not be enough to serve the market. P
• rices are expected to continue increasing.
• Despite tariffs, line pipe imports are projected to rise again.

A key theme of the conference was the industry’s adaptation to decarbonisation and the growing importance of renewable energy, including green hydrogen projects. Experts discussed how innovations in production technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials are transforming the market.
The ITAtube Conference 2025 offered participants not only up-to-date market insights but also the opportunity to make valuable contacts and exchange experiences.
“The conference demonstrates how internationally connected our industry is and the opportunities arising from the transformation of global markets,” said Dr Gunther Voswinckel, President of the ITA.