Buying activity for Chinese steel pipe exports has remained lackluster over the past two weeks. Export prices for Chinese seamless and welded pipes have declined by $5-10/mt over the past two weeks as overseas buyers are showing very little interest. The uncertainty surrounding the global economy has led to cautiousness on the prospects for the export market for seamless and welded pipes in the coming period. The market is expected to be characterized by a certain degree of weakness in the short term.
Current export quotations from most Chinese manufacturers for 2"-6" Sch40 seamless pipes of steel grade B according to ASTM A106/API 5L are on average at $430-455/mt FOB, while export offers for 1/2"-3/4" Sch 40/Sch 80 pipes are at $580-635/mt FOB.
Current export prices of 2"-6" welded pipes of grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L from Chinese mills are at around $370-410/mt FOB.