Demand for Chinese seamless pipe in the export markets is still slack, while ex-China seamless pipe prices have increased during the past week against the backdrop of the rising trend of prices in the Chinese steel futures market and due to the rises seen in prices of hot rolled coil (HRC) which is the raw material for seamless pipe production.
Chinese export offers for 0.5"-12" grade B water and gas welded pipes as per ASTM A53 or API 5L have increased by $25/mt on average over the past week to $430-450/mt FOB on theoretical weight basis.