NAICS 331210 Quarterly Industry Report
Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 331210Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value industry report for NAICS 331210 integrates data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5] industrial classifications, Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] employment surveys, and SBA size standard publications[7]. Our research team tracks pipe and tube production, energy sector demand, and trade policy developments to provide valuation context for tubular product manufacturers. Updated quarterly, each statistic traces to its originating government or institutional source.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the iron and steel pipe and tube manufacturing from purchased steel industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel (NAICS 331210) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing welded, riveted, or smooth pipe and tube from purchased iron or steel. These operations buy steel coil, strip, plate, or billets from primary steel mills and process them into tubular products through welding, forming, and finishing operations.
Products include standard pipe for plumbing and structural applications, line pipe for oil and gas transmission, oil country tubular goods (OCTG) for well drilling and completion, mechanical and pressure tubing, conduit, and hollow structural sections (HSS). Manufacturing processes include electric resistance welding (ERW), submerged arc welding (SAW), continuous weld, and smooth piercing and rolling. According to the U.S. Census Bureau[5], the key distinction from NAICS 331110 is that these establishments purchase steel rather than making it.
The industry serves oil and gas, construction, automotive, industrial equipment, and infrastructure markets. Demand closely tracks energy sector drilling activity for OCTG products and construction spending for structural and plumbing pipe. Plant locations concentrate near steel-producing regions for raw material access and near end-use markets to minimize freight costs on heavy finished products. Both large multinational tube producers and regional specialty manufacturers compete in this market. Trade policy, including tariffs and antidumping duties on imported pipe, significantly affects competitive dynamics and pricing.
What's Included in This Industry
- Welded steel pipe manufacturing (ERW and SAW processes)
- Smooth steel pipe and tube production from purchased billets
- Oil country tubular goods (OCTG) manufacturing
- Line pipe manufacturing for oil and gas transmission
- Structural steel tubing and hollow section production
- Mechanical and pressure tubing manufacturing
- Steel conduit manufacturing for electrical applications
- Stainless steel pipe and tube production from purchased steel
- Steel pipe coating, threading, and coupling operations
- Continuous weld pipe manufacturing
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Primary Metal Manufacturing | 331 |
| Industry Group | Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel | 3312 |
| NAICS Industry | Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel | 33121 |
| National Industry | Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel | 331210 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 331110 | Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | Iron and steel mills make steel and may form pipe and tube at integrated facilities, while this code covers pipe production from purchased steel only |
| 331221 | Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing | Rolled steel shape manufacturing produces flat and long products from purchased steel that serve as raw material inputs for pipe and tube manufacturing |
| 331222 | Steel Wire Drawing | Steel wire drawing processes purchased steel rod into wire products using drawing rather than forming and welding operations used in tube making |
| 332996 | Fabricated Pipe and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing | Fabricated pipe and pipe fitting manufacturing fabricates custom pipe assemblies from purchased pipe, adding a further processing step beyond basic pipe production |
| 237120 | Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction | Oil and gas pipeline construction installs line pipe products and represents a major end-use customer segment for large-diameter welded pipe |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 13.7% | 32 |
| 2 | Ohio | 12.8% | 30 |
| 3 | Illinois | 9.0% | 21 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 8.6% | 20 |
| 5 | Indiana | 7.3% | 17 |
| 6 | Michigan | 5.6% | 13 |
| 7 | California | 5.6% | 13 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 4.3% | 10 |
| 9 | Alabama | 3.9% | 9 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 3.9% | 9 |
% Of Establishments
0%
14%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
136
Total SBA Loans
$108.2M
Total Loan Volume
$796K
Average Loan Size
12 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.02%
Average Interest Rate
1,640
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA[7] classifies this industry under NAICS 331210 with a size standard of 1,000 employees. Many pipe and tube manufacturers operate with several hundred workers per facility, placing a number of firms below the SBA threshold. Qualifying businesses can access SBA lending programs[8] for welding line equipment, heat treatment systems, and plant facility investments that help smaller producers compete for energy and construction sector contracts. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[9] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[10] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Huntington National Bank | 40 | $38.1M | $953K |
| 2 | Leader Bank, National Association | 16 | $37.6M | $2.4M |
| 3 | U.S. Bank, National Association | 16 | $14.4M | $900K |
| 4 | PlainsCapital Bank | 8 | $6.0M | $750K |
| 5 | Northeast Bank | 16 | $5.1M | $318K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses fall under NAICS 331210?
NAICS 331210 covers manufacturers that produce welded, riveted, or smooth pipe and tube from purchased steel. These include producers of standard pipe, OCTG, line pipe, mechanical tubing, conduit, and structural hollow sections. Per the U.S. Census Bureau[5], the distinguishing factor is that these firms buy steel as an input rather than making their own steel.
How is NAICS 331210 structured within the broader classification?
NAICS 331210 belongs to Industry Group 3312 (Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel), Subsector 331 (Primary Metal Manufacturing), and Sector 31-33 (Manufacturing). It shares Industry Group 3312 with 331221 (rolled steel shapes) and 331222 (steel wire drawing), all of which process purchased steel into different product forms.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 331210?
The SBA[7] sets the size standard at 1,000 employees for this industry. Businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees qualify as small businesses for federal contracting preferences and SBA-guaranteed loan programs.
Which NAICS codes are most closely related to 331210?
Code 331110 (iron and steel mills) covers integrated pipe production where steel is made on-site. Codes 331221 and 331222 are sibling classifications for other purchased-steel processing. Fabricated pipe fitting manufacturing (332996) adds value to purchased pipe products. Per NAICS references, the purchased-steel distinction is the primary classification criterion.
What industries interact most with steel pipe and tube manufacturers?
Oil and gas pipeline construction (237120) and drilling operations drive demand for OCTG and line pipe. Plumbing contractors (238220) install standard pipe in buildings. Metal service centers (423510) handle distribution. Power boiler manufacturers (332410) consume pressure tubing. Specialized freight carriers (484220) handle heavy pipe logistics.
What specific activities does NAICS 331210 include?
Activities include electric resistance welding of steel coil into pipe, submerged arc welding of plate into large-diameter pipe, continuous weld pipe production, smooth pipe piercing and rolling from purchased billets, pipe threading and coupling, pipe coating and lining, heat treatment of tubular products, and testing and inspection operations. According to Census Bureau classifications[5], all pipe and tube making from purchased steel falls under this single code.
Can steel pipe manufacturers access SBA loans?
Yes. Pipe and tube manufacturers with fewer than 1,000 employees qualify for SBA loan programs[8] including 7(a) loans for working capital, 504 loans for welding equipment, mills, and plant facilities, and export financing to support international pipe sales. These programs help mid-size producers invest in production capacity and product quality systems.
Where is steel pipe and tube manufacturing concentrated in the United States?
Plants cluster in steel-producing states and near energy sector customers. Texas hosts a large concentration of OCTG and line pipe producers serving Gulf Coast energy markets. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana support ERW and smooth pipe operations near Great Lakes steel mills. Arkansas, Alabama, and other Southern states host welded pipe mills positioned along major freight corridors.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA size standard publications sba.gov
- [8]SBA lending programs sba.gov
- [9]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [10]504 loans sba.gov
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