At present, Saudi Arabia’s ductile iron pipe market features a price range roughly between SAR 500–800 per meter for standard DN100–DN1000 ductile iron pipes. These are typically cement‑mortar lined, zinc‑coated per ISO 2531, and certified to regional SASO standards.
In this market, five suppliers dominate with competitive pricing and reliability: SADIP, SPS, Delux Foundry, Al‑Muhaidib Metal Ind., and Interpipe (Dubai office).
1. Saudi Market Introduction, Trends & Outlook
Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its water infrastructure under Vision 2030. More projects are focusing on large‑diameter, high‑pressure ductile iron pipe networks (Class K9/C25/C30, typically rated 16–25 bar). Suppliers adhere to international standards such as ISO 2531, BS EN 545, and Saudi’s own SASO 1020, with increasing use of epoxy coatings to enhance corrosion resistance in coastal regions.
Future forecast: Annual growth estimated at 5–7%, driven by urban expansion, desalination needs, and the shift towards smart city infrastructure.
2. Top 5 Saudi Suppliers & Their Coverage
Supplier | Base Location(s) | Pipe Ø Range (mm) | Pressure Classes | Coatings |
---|---|---|---|---|
SADIP (Saudi Arabian Ductile Iron Pipes) | Dammam, Riyadh | DN 100–1000 | K9 / C25–C40 | Cement‑mortar + zinc/bitumen |
SPS (Saudi Pipe Systems Co.) | Jeddah, Dammam | DN 80–2000 | K7–K9 (PN16) | ISO‑standard |
Delux Foundry (via India JV) | Riyadh | DN 80–600 | PN16–25 | Corrosion‑resistant fittings |
Al‑Muhaidib Metal Ind. | Riyadh, Jeddah | DN wide range | Industrial grades | Custom coatings |
Interpipe (Dubai office) | Serves Saudi nationwide | Casing and water pipes | Matches ISO standards | Anti‑counterfeit traced |
3. Price Comparison & Product Lines
Supplier | 500 mm DIP SAR/m | Available Classes | Formats |
---|---|---|---|
SADIP | 550 | K9, C25–C40 | Socket/Spigot; Flanged |
SPS | 520 | K7–K9 | Couplings, fittings |
Delux | ~530 (imports) | PN16–25 | Fittings, adaptors |
Al‑Muhaidib | 560 | Industrial grades | Customizable |
Interpipe/Dubai | 580 | C30 | Spun casing pipes |
All prices are FOB Saudi origin, inclusive of basic lining and zinc‑bitumen coating. Pricing adjustments depend on diameter and specifications.
4. Price Comparison by Country
Region | 500 mm DIP (SAR/m) | Standards |
---|---|---|
Saudi | 500–580 | SASO/ISO |
China | 300–350 | ISO 2531, EN545 |
India | 330–400 | IS 1223, ISO |
USA | 1,600–1,900 | AWWA C151, ANSI |
Foreign‑sourced material offers cost savings for importers in Saudi, but incurs duties, freight, and extended lead time.
5. Recommended Chinese Supplier – Luokaiwei
I recommend Jincheng Luokaiwei (JinSteel) based in Shanxi Province. Their credentials:
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Joint venture with Jincheng Steel Holding, 600 million RMB investment.
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High output: over 50,000 tonnes annually.
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Standards: ISO 9001, ISO 2531, EN545.
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Flexibility: OEM, mold customization, fast delivery.
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Competitive FOB price: approx. $800–1,050/ton (SAR 750–980/m) for DN500, suitable for international projects.
6. Case Study: Luokaiwei Supplying Saudi Water Authority
Project: Riyadh Central Irrigation Expansion (2024)
Overview:
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10 km mainline of DN500 ductile iron pipe, Class C30 (PN16).
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Lined per ISO 2531, epoxy-coated external for desert conditions.
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Completed within 14 weeks from order to delivery.
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Performance: zero leaks, full hydraulic compliance.
Outcome: -
15% cost saving vs. local suppliers;
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Lead time halved;
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OEM marking and certification facilitated Saudi standards compliance.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What standards apply to ductile iron pipes in Saudi?
A: Suppliers must comply with ISO 2531, BS EN 545, and Saudi’s SASO 1020. Classes range from K7 to C40 based on pressure rating.
Q2: Are Saudi-made pipes more expensive than imports?
A: Domestic FOB prices (SAR 500–580/m) compare favourably to China/India FOB, but imports add freight, duties.
Q3: How is corrosion managed in Saudi pipelines?
A: Typical practice includes cement‑mortar lining, external zinc + bitumen coating. For coastal/industrial zones, epoxy is increasingly used.
Q4: What is OEM customisation?
A: With Luokaiwei, buyers can specify diameters, pressure classes, markings, logo labels, and packaging.
Q5: How long does delivery take from China?
A: Usual timeline: 12–16 weeks including casting, lining, documentation, and sea freight to Saudi port.