The Turkish
stainless steel market is in a calm state with the approach of the New Year. A very limited number of sales have been concluded in the market. Meanwhile, the tendency towards the Chinese market for pipes,
pipe fittings and bars - as an expected result of the US Dollar/Euro exchange rate changes and the higher prices of European-origin materials - has started to show itself with respect to
stainless steel coils as well. Many firms have moved to conclude bookings of
stainless steel coil and
plate from
China and have brought samples from there for trial. The extent of this tendency is so big that most firms – which have not concluded any bookings outside of
Europe over many years - have now started to book from
China. While Acerinox
production 304 series second quality
stainless steel coils of 2 mm thickness are being booked at $4,300-4,400/ton in
Turkey, the sales price of Arcelor
production 304 series prime quality
stainless steels of 2 mm thickness is at $5,160/ton in the Turkish market. According to reports received, some bookings from
China have been concluded below the $4,000/mt level. However, interviews made with most firms have given us the impression that major part of the market is now scrutinizing the samples from
China with a view to forming an accurate idea regarding the quality of these products.
China is already dominant in the
pipe industry and
India in the bar industry. It is thought that prices will be increased over the coming weeks. It is also being predicted that the producers will hike their alloy surcharges in January and February, and that these extras will cause an increase in the base prices as well. In addition to the current high-level prices, the reports regarding possible price hikes approaching the New Year, along with the slowdown in the European market, have naturally resulted in a situation of calm in the Turkish
stainless steel market.