Copper pipe & tube enterprises saw a significant increase in export rush in March

According to customs data, China imported 1,842.7 mt of copper pipe & tube in March, down 17.2% MoM and 3.2% YoY. From January to March 2025, China's cumulative imports of copper pipe & tube reached 5,574 mt, up 4.5% YoY.

According to customs data, China exported 34,023.7 mt of copper pipe & tube in March, up 31.6% MoM and 17.0% YoY. From January to March 2025, China's cumulative exports of copper pipe & tube reached 100,243 mt, up 14.2% YoY.

On a country-by-country basis, the main sources of China's copper pipe & tube imports in March were Thailand, Japan, and Iran, with no significant changes. However, due to better domestic operating rates in March, the demand for imported copper pipe & tube declined MoM. Nevertheless, as some export orders required reprocessing of imports from Thailand, imports still increased YoY.

On a country-by-country basis, Thailand and the US remained the top destinations for China's copper pipe & tube exports. In March, the volume of China's exports to the US did not decrease. However, due to tariff uncertainties, a "rush to export" phenomenon emerged. According to SMM's communication with the market, air conditioner orders in North America began to decline significantly after the US imposed tariff hikes on Chinese goods. Although export data in March was promising, a decline is expected in April, which will drive down copper pipe & tube exports and domestic operating rates of copper pipe & tube producers.