In the United States, it's hard to believe that there isn't open competition in certain industries. The Plastics Pipe Institute, Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association and the American Chemistry Council's efforts to get government agencies to open the bidding process to plastics products could have a big effect on plastic pipe industry. Obviously, this is not in the interests of the concrete pipe and iron pipe manufacturers, but may be in the best interests of municipalities and consumers in general.
The discussion continues in an article in Plastics News found HERE.