U.S. tariffs on steel imports strain supply and limit options for domestic pipe buyers, says Interpipe’s Denys Morozov.
The reintroduction of a 25% tariff on U.S. steel imports is creating challenges for Ukrainian steelmaker Interpipe, as well as American buyers. According to Denys Morozov, First Deputy CEO of Interpipe, these duties not only hurt export volumes but also pressure U.S. customers who rely on specialty steel pipe imports. He made these remarks at the Business Wisdom Summit 2025.
“Tariffs are a negative story for us,” Morozov stated. “But they also hit U.S. pipe consumers, who already face limited domestic supply.” Interpipe’s premium threaded connections remain in high demand across the United States, with its R&D team finalizing a new connection to meet growing needs.
Interpipe Adapts with Innovation and Investment
Despite tariffs and war disruptions, Interpipe continues to invest in product development and international logistics.
Morozov acknowledged that the duties, combined with ongoing conflict in Ukraine, challenge production at Interpipe’s Nikopol-based Interpipe Niko Tube. Located in a designated war zone, the facility continues operating under difficult conditions. “Our people are still working and producing pipes for the U.S. and EU markets,” he said. “The resilience of Ukrainians is truly impressive.”
Even so, Interpipe has taken strategic steps to maintain and grow its position. Morozov emphasized the company’s commitment to R&D and product diversification. Over the past three years of EU duty-free access, Interpipe developed more than 250 new pipe types to stay ahead of competitors. He stressed that innovation will help them navigate the current trade restrictions.
Investments Boost Value-Added Products and Logistics
A new $40 million thermal treatment plant in Nikopol is part of Interpipe’s push toward value-added exports.
Interpipe has also strengthened its logistics network. Last summer, the company chartered a vessel for the first time, improving transportation efficiency and cost control. Olexiy Yanovsky, Director of Procurement and Logistics at Interpipe, stated that this step boosted both economic and operational performance.
With a new thermal treatment plant now operational, Interpipe can offer higher-value products tailored to U.S. and European market demands. The facility supports heat-treated pipes for demanding applications in energy, construction, and oil and gas sectors.
Interpipe’s strategy highlights a broader challenge: U.S. tariffs may protect some domestic producers, but they risk harming downstream industries that rely on foreign specialty products. SuperMetalPrice will continue to monitor how trade policy, supply chain disruptions, and technological advances shape the global steel and alloy pipe markets.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.