Growing U.S. demand for copper, plastic pipe through 2014: study

Demand for water and wastewater pipe in the U.S. is expected to rise 5.8 per cent annually to US$19.6 billion in 2014, exceeding 5.3 billion feet, according to a new study by Chicago-based research firm The Freedonia Group.

Copper pipe demand will rise at the fastest pace due to its close ties to the resurgent building construction segment. Good growth is also expected for plastic pipes, however, especially in areas such as water transmission and drain/sewer applications based on performance upgrades made possible by resin and processing improvements.

The study – called “Water and Wastewater Pipe” – said that advances will reflect renewed activity in the residential building construction sector, the growing obsolescence of sewer and drainage systems, and upgrades of municipal water systems. Average pipe prices are projected to decline through 2014 as material prices moderate following the spikes experienced between 2004 and 2009.

For more information about the study, visit this link.