Pipes and Fittings Market Forecast: Key Drivers and Trends

Barbour ABI data shows that by 2028, the UK pipes and fittings market is forecast to grow by 4.3% when compared to the estimated market size in 2024.

Our latest market research report, the ‘Pipes and Fittings Market Report 2024-2028’ provides insights into the market dynamics, emerging trends, and forecasts; it is an important source of reference for stakeholders across all sectors of the UK plumbing industry.

To showcase just some of the insight Barbour ABI provide, Editor of the report Claudia Charquet has shared key takeaways from the report below.

Product Mix

The plumbing pipe systems category is estimated to account for around 57% of the UK pipes and fittings market in 2023. The rainwater, soil & waste products category accounts for the remaining 43% of this market in terms of value.

Key drivers of the Pipes and Fittings Market

The construction industry is a key driver of demand for pipes and fittings, with the residential RMI and new housing sectors currently having almost 90% of the total market (value).

Popular Materials

Plastic and copper account for most of the material used in both the pipes and fittings UK market. Alternative materials such as brass/alloys, aluminium, cast iron, steel etc. make up the remainder.

Copper Pipe Growth

The price of copper saw a steep post-pandemic increase and has remained volatile ever since. This led to imports of copper pipe seeing a significant value growth of 36% in 2021 and a further value growth of 20% in 2022. Imports and exports of plastic pipe also saw a notable increase in 2022, mainly influenced by inflationary pressures.

Editor’s Quote

“There is a growing focus on sustainability and the environment, particularly with the UK government drive towards carbon net zero by 2050. This has had an impact on the type of pipe and fittings materials used, for example copper pipe and those products that use recycled plastics. More consideration is also being made about the type of potable water and heating systems installed, also rainwater drainage and soil & waste solutions, with an increased focus on water management and energy efficiency”.