The Chinese domestic steel
pipe market has moved on a stable trend as regards seamless
pipe prices, while indicating slight downticks for welded
pipe prices.
As of December 4, in
China's three main steel markets, i.e., Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, the average price of 20# (GB/T8162-1999) grade 108 mm x 4.5 mm seamless
pipe now stands at $567/mt, with 20# (GB/T8163-1999) grade 219 mm x 6 mm seamless
pipe at $599/mt. Meanwhile, on the same date, Q195-215 grade 48 mm x 3.25 mm welded
pipe prices and Q215-235 grade 114 mm x 3.75 mm welded
pipe prices in the above markets are standing at $498/mt and $505/mt respectively. All the above prices include 17 percent VAT.
The Chinese domestic seamless
pipe market has followed a sideways trend during the past seven days, while overall trading activity has been slack. Most traders are worried about the future prospects for the market since activity has become more sluggish in the first few days of December. Mills' quotations have softened slightly in the past week and traders are wondering whether they should also reduce their prices. As for the coming week, it is believed the market trend will be mostly stable, with some slight downticks possible also.
Local welded
pipe prices in
China have decreased slightly during the past week, mainly due to the sluggishness of trading activity. It is thought that domestic welded
pipe demand will slacken further as the weather gets colder. As a result, the market is expected to continue to see a slight downtrend in the coming week.