Uruguay: Market for Copper Tubes And Pipes 2025

Market Size for Copper Tubes And Pipes in Uruguay

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the Uruguayan copper tube and pipe market, when its value increased by 71% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed a slight curtailment. Copper tube and pipe consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Copper Tubes And Pipes

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, shipments abroad of copper tubes and pipes increased by 1.1% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 93% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, copper tube and pipe exports stood at $X in 2021. In general, exports posted strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 148%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) was the main destination for copper tube and pipe exports from Uruguay, accounting for a 98% share of total exports. It was followed by Guatemala (X kg), with a 2.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Argentina stood at +3.4%.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) remains the key foreign market for copper tubes and pipes exports from Uruguay, comprising 99% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Guatemala ($X), with a 1.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Argentina amounted to +12.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average copper tube and pipe export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 7.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +8.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, copper tube and pipe export price increased by +120.5% against 2014 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Guatemala amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Argentina (+8.9%).

Imports of Copper Tubes And Pipes

Imports into Uruguay

After two years of decline, purchases abroad of copper tubes and pipes increased by 35% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports, however, saw a perceptible curtailment. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, copper tube and pipe imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a slight contraction. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Chile (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) were the main suppliers of copper tube and pipe imports to Uruguay, together accounting for 80% of total imports. Brazil, Turkey and Croatia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +50.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest copper tube and pipe suppliers to Uruguay were China ($X), Chile ($X) and Mexico ($X), together accounting for 79% of total imports. Brazil, Turkey and Croatia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.

Among the main suppliers, Croatia, with a CAGR of +42.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average copper tube and pipe import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 34% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the countries with the highest prices were China ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton), while the price for Croatia ($X per ton) and Chile ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+4.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform