Analysis of ductile iron manhole cover market development dynamics and technology trends in 2024

According to the latest industry data, China’s ductile iron manhole cover output exceeded 1.2 million tons in 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of about 8.5%. By 2025, the market size is expected to surpass 22 billion RMB. Thanks to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life, ductile iron manhole covers have become an indispensable component of modern urban infrastructure.

Their usage rate now exceeds 85% in sectors such as municipal engineering, roads and bridges, underground utility tunnels, subway stations, industrial parks, and residential communities — gradually replacing traditional grey cast iron and steel-fiber concrete covers.

II. Policy Drivers: “New Infrastructure” and Urban Renewal Stimulate Demand

With the ongoing 14th Five-Year Plan and accelerated new urbanization, local governments are increasing investment in upgrading underground pipe network systems. In 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) issued a directive to “promote the intelligent transformation of urban underground pipelines,” encouraging the adoption of high-performance, traceable, and anti-fall manhole covers, creating significant opportunities for ductile iron products.

Many cities have introduced policies to support the use of premium manhole covers. For example, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have included ductile iron covers in mandatory procurement lists for municipal projects and implemented QR code identity tracking systems for lifecycle management and traceability.

III. Technological Innovation: Toward Smart and Green Manufacturing

1. Smart Upgrades:
   Smart ductile iron manhole covers equipped with IoT functionality have become a key trend. By integrating pressure sensors, displacement monitors, and wireless communication modules, they can detect movement anomalies, provide flood alerts, and prevent theft.
   For instance, a company in Zhejiang has launched a “Smart Manhole Cloud Platform”, already piloted in cities like Hangzhou and Chengdu, effectively reducing cover loss and related accidents.

2. Green Manufacturing:
   Environmentally friendly production processes are gaining attention. Leading domestic manufacturers now use electric furnace + scrap steel smelting, low-sulfur and low-phosphorus material control, and chrome-free coating technologies, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
   Several companies have obtained ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification and been recognized as “Green Factories.”

3. Material Performance Optimization:
   The latest generation of ductile iron manhole covers uses QT500-7 or higher-grade material, with tensile strength up to 500 MPa and elongation over 7%, far exceeding the national standard GB/T 23858-2009.
   Surfaces are treated with hot-dip galvanizing + epoxy coating, achieving over 20 years of corrosion resistance, ideal for humid, coastal, and acid rain-prone regions.

IV. Competitive Landscape: Leading Enterprises Dominate, SMEs Focus on Niche Segments

China’s ductile iron Manhole Cover market is becoming increasingly consolidated. Industry leaders such as Jiangsu Tianli, Hebei Ruifeng, Shandong Jintai, and Guangdong Huachuang collectively hold about 60% of the national market share.
These companies feature proprietary technologies, automated production lines, and comprehensive testing systems.

Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are differentiating themselves through customized products, such as lightweight covers, artistic patterns, and anti-slip surface designs, catering to landscape, cultural tourism, and architectural projects.

V. Challenges and Outlook

Despite the positive outlook, the industry faces several challenges:

• Price wars driving low-quality products into high-end markets;

• Weak supervision in some regions leading to “substandard-for-standard” substitution;

• High cost of smart covers, requiring more policy and financial support for adoption.

Looking ahead to 2025, with the advancement of smart city development and stricter safety standards, ductile iron manhole covers will continue to evolve toward high strength, lightweight design, intelligence, and sustainability.
Over the next three years, the penetration rate of smart covers is expected to rise from below 10% to over 30%, ushering the industry into a high-quality growth stage.

VI. Conclusion

Ductile iron manhole covers are not just the guardians of urban safety underfoot, but also a reflection of a city’s construction quality. Under the combined influence of policy guidance, technological innovation, and market demand, the industry is advancing toward standardization, intelligence, and sustainable development, injecting new vitality into China’s urban infrastructure upgrading.

— Information compiled from authoritative industry data and expert interviews, for reference and discussion.