Printer Friendly
The Free Library
14,550,259 articles and books
Member login
User name  
Password 
 
Join us Forgot password?

Copper stays in the pipe game: red metal holds on to its pipe market share.


* Although demand for both copper and plastic piping was down in 2004 compared to 1999, a forecast from The Freedonia Group Inc., Cleveland, sees both markets rebounding as the decade continues.

The research company's study shows that copper pipe demand in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area.  stayed relatively flat in 2004 compared to 1999 (dropping less than 1 percent), while the demand for plastic piping fell by some 500 million feet in length, or about 9 percent. The study cites "a precipitous drop in communications conduit" as the primary culprit in the drop in plastic pipe demand.

But leading up to 2009, the Freedonia Group report forecasts that demand for plastic pipe will rise an average of 2.7 percent per year, reaching a level of 6.6 billion pipe feet in 2009.

Copper pipe demand is also forecast to rise, averaging 2.5 percent annual growth and reaching a total of nearly 6.4 billion pipe feet in 2009. The forecast predicts copper will enjoy a higher percentage of the overall U.S. market in 2009 compared to 1999, meaning demolition contractors should continue to find copper piping for some time to come.

Steel pipe demand is forecast to grow a more modest 1.8 percent per year, reaching a demand level of 2.6 billion pipe feet in 2009, according to according to
prep.
1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.

2. In keeping with: according to instructions.

3.
 the Freedonia Group.

The study also foresees PVC PVC: see polyvinyl chloride.
PVC
 in full polyvinyl chloride

Synthetic resin, an organic polymer made by treating vinyl chloride monomers with a peroxide.
 remaining the dominant pipe resin, although HDPE HDPE
abbr.
high-density polyethylene
 use is expected to grow.

Copper pipe demand will be fueled by the refrigeration refrigeration, process for drawing heat from substances to lower their temperature, often for purposes of preservation. Refrigeration in its modern, portable form also depends on insulating materials that are thin yet effective.  and indoor plumbing markets, while storm sewer storm sewer
n.
A sewer for carrying off rainwater or meltwater, as to a river or bay.
 uses will help the concrete pipe market gain some steam heading toward 2009.

Information on purchasing the Freedonia Group study can be obtained through its Web site at www.freedoniagroup.com.
COPYRIGHT 2005 G.I.E. Media, Inc.
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2005, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

 Reader Opinion

Title:

Comment:



 

Article Details
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Title Annotation:Commodities
Publication:Construction & Demolition Recycling
Article Type:Brief Article
Geographic Code:1USA
Date:Sep 1, 2005
Words:288
Previous Article:Cement plant to limit use of slag.(Commodities)(Brief Article)
Next Article:President signs highway bill.(new bill passed)
Topics:



Related Articles
Pipe dream. (the Optiflex plastic pipe)
A boom year: metals prices have stayed aloft throughout 2004, benefitting demo contractors and other generators.(Scrap Metals Update)
Metals prices hitting 15-year highs.(Industry NEWS)
Quick, call the police.(copper scrap market conditions)
New building standards.(REGULATION WATCH)
Copper unwinds: copper markets have been unwinding, influenced by the world economy and hedge fund activity.(Cover story)
California: the copper stopper? Metalcasters and engineers have joined forces to adapt to a new legislative measure that decreased the amount of lead...

Terms of use | Copyright © 2009 Farlex, Inc. | Feedback | For webmasters | Submit articles