As the end of 2025 approaches, China’s infrastructure sector is witnessing a surge in investment driven by the accelerated issuance of special-purpose bonds. Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that in September alone, the country issued 419.1 billion yuan of special-purpose bonds, accounting for 88.4% of new bond issuances in the month . This massive capital injection is directly fueling the demand for tunnel construction materials, with tunnel grouting pipe and steel grouting pipe emerging as the biggest beneficiaries—industry forecasts indicate a year-on-year growth of 15% in their demand by the end of 2025.

Special-purpose bonds have become the core funding source for key infrastructure projects in 2025, especially for tunnel-heavy transportation and water conservancy initiatives. Unlike general bonds, these funds are strictly allocated to projects with stable cash flows and clear construction schedules, making tunnel engineering—with its high material intensity—a direct recipient of support.

The newly issued ultra-long special treasury bonds, totaling 188 billion yuan, have further amplified this effect by supporting over 8,400 projects in energy and infrastructure sectors, with a total driving investment exceeding 1 trillion yuan . For tunnel projects, this means faster procurement cycles for critical materials like perforated grouting pipe (used for 围岩 reinforcement) and pre-injection pipe (for advance support).

A typical example is the Sichuan-Tibet Railway project, one of China’s most challenging infrastructure undertakings. Its CZSCZQ-7 section, where tunnels account for 97.38% of the 20.534km route, has accelerated procurement of PVC grouting pipe and steel variants, with a single inquiry for 10,000 meters of injection pipes in October 2025 . Similarly, the Chengdu-Dazhou-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway, with 5.1% of its route consisting of tunnels, has included tunnel grouting materials in its 12.88 billion yuan procurement plan, strictly requiring compliance with industry standards like T/CECS 1049-2022 .

The 15% demand surge for tunnel grouting pipe is not accidental—it stems from the dual drivers of "more tunnels" and "higher standards" brought by special-purpose bond investment.

First, the scale of tunnel construction is expanding rapidly. Supported by special-purpose bonds, national railway tunnel mileage is expected to grow by 12% in 2025, while urban underground comprehensive 管廊 projects—another major application scenario for steel grouting pipe—are seeing a 23.4% year-on-year increase in demand . Each kilometer of tunnel requires approximately 3-5 tons of grouting pipes, with perforated grouting pipe accounting for 60% of the total due to its superior slurry diffusion performance in soft rock formations.

Second, technical standards are rising, pushing up demand for high-performance products. Modern tunnel projects, such as cross-river and mountain tunnels, now mandate grouting pipes with higher pressure resistance and corrosion resistance. For instance, the Suining Fujiang Bridge tunnel section of the Chengdu-Dazhou-Wanzhou High-Speed Railway specifies micro-expansion grouting materials paired with steel grouting pipe to ensure structural stability . This shift from ordinary pipes to high-grade steel variants has further boosted market demand.

Industry data confirms this trend: the China Building Materials Federation reports that infrastructure-related grouting material demand will grow by 10.8% in 2025, with tunnel grouting pipe sales closely tracking this pace due to their interdependent application .

As of late October 2025, local government debt still has over 4.2 trillion yuan of unused quota, meaning more special-purpose bond funds will flow into infrastructure projects in the coming months . For manufacturers and exporters of tunnel grouting pipe and steel grouting pipe, this presents a golden opportunity.

Overseas markets are also taking note. With China’s infrastructure technology gaining recognition under the "Belt and Road" initiative, tunnel grouting pipe exports to Southeast Asia and the Middle East have grown by 25% year-on-year, with international buyers increasingly valuing products that meet both Chinese and global standards (e.g., API and CE) .

In conclusion, the 2025 special-purpose bond wave has turned infrastructure investment into a powerful engine for the tunnel grouting pipe market. The 15% growth is not just a number—it reflects the concrete impact of policy support on industrial demand. For industry participants, seizing opportunities in high-standard projects and global markets will be key to capitalizing on this 红利.