Russian pipe industry 2014: review of current situation, problems and future prospects

Pipe industry is one of the most perspective sectors of Russian industry: steel pipes are products with high added value and are widely used both in constructing industry and in construction of oil and gas pipelines. However in the period of financial instability it is necessary to ensure the effective demand from industries – consumers of pipe products. The paper, firstly, presents a brief overview of the production and consumption of pipe products in Russia in 2013–2014., as well as current trends in the pipe industry. Secondly, it describes the position of Russian enterprises producing pipe rolling in the world and the Customs Union markets , in terms of their competitiveness. The analysis of the market and its main competitors allows to conclude that Russia has the necessary potential for the development of the industry and strengthening its position stronger in the market . The article also mentions the existing and potential large-scale oil and gas projects which have a direct impact on the industry in the country and provides additional opportunities for exports. There are formulated the internal and external negative factors and problems and their solutions, which have already been implemented or still need to be taken. Analysis is based on statistics published by the non-profit organization «Pipe Industry Development Fund» and on figures presented in the Development Strategy of Russia’s steel industry for 2014 – 2020 and up to 2030, approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation dated May 5, 2014 No. 839. The study showed a certain effectiveness of Russian companies producing steel tubes, but at the same time it highlightes the need to improve the strategy of the Russian Federation in the pipe industry and stresses the necessity to implement specific measures aimed at improving its competitiveness. The study provide specific statistical data and presents a complete picture of the current state of the Russian pipe industry and the possibilities of its development.