1. Raw Material Cost (Core Factor)
Common materials for Schedule 80 steel pipe include carbon steel (ASTM A106), stainless steel (304/316), and alloy steel (P11). Different materials have different prices. For the same size, carbon steel is the cheapest, while stainless steel is the most expensive.
Raw Material Cost Analysis:
Price fluctuations in raw materials such as billets, iron ore, and coke directly affect steel pipe costs.
Steel pipes containing alloying elements such as chromium and molybdenum (such as P11 and P22) are 50% to 200% more expensive than carbon steel (A106).
Under 90% of operating conditions, stainless steel pipes are significantly more expensive than alloy steel pipes, primarily due to differences in the cost of added precious metals:Stainless steel costs are driven by the high content of added alloying elements, nickel and chromium. For example, 304 stainless steel contains over 8% nickel, with nickel accounting for over 40% of the cost.
Alloy steel costs are driven by the addition of elements such as molybdenum and vanadium. For example, P11 contains 0.5% molybdenum, but the total amount is far less than the stainless steel alloy composition.
2. Production Process and Specifications
Depending on the manufacturing process, prices vary. Generally, SCH 80 seamless pipe is 20%-30% more expensive than welded pipe.
Prices also vary depending on the wall thickness precision requirements. High-precision SCH 80 cold-rolled pipe is 15%-25% more expensive than hot-rolled pipe.
Small diameters (DN15-DN50): Unit prices are higher, and processing costs are spread more widely. For example: 1" SCH 80 carbon steel pipe costs ¥80-120/meter.
Large diameters (DN100 and above): Pricing by ton is more favorable.
For non-standard sizes (such as DN65), an additional 10%-40% surcharge applies. This is because custom sizes require adjustments to the production line, which increases costs.
3. Surface Treatment and Corrosion Protection
Different surface treatments for steel pipes also affect pricing.
For example, hot-dip galvanized SCH 80 pipe for construction and water supply and drainage is 15%-25% more expensive than bare pipe.
SCH 80 pipe with 3PE anti-corrosion coating, used for buried oil and gas pipelines, is even more expensive, at 30%-50% higher than bare pipe.
4. Market Supply and Demand
Prices in highly competitive regions are 5%-10% lower.
When import demand is strong in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, export quotes increase by 8%-15%.
Prices during the infrastructure construction peak season (Q3-Q4) are typically 6%-12% higher than during the off-season (Q1).
Read more: Steel Pipe Dimensions & Sizes Chart or Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 Pipe Price