Sentiment in the CIS seamless pipe export market has been greatly depressed by soft demand from foreign buyers and stiff competition from Chinese exporters. Ukrainian seamless pipe exporters have decreased their prices by $30-40/mt over the past two months, while Russian suppliers have cut their offers by a minimum of $20/mt over the same period. Market participants foresee a further slowdown in the CIS seamless pipe export market in the coming period due to the summer holidays in Europe and the month of Ramadan in Muslim countries. However, the situation may improve in September when the seasonal lull is expected to be over.
Export prices from Ukrainian mill Interpipe for 2"-6" seamless pipes of grade B made to ASTM A106 are quoted at around $930-1,000/mt FOB for the Middle East market, while pipes as per EN are offered at about $850-900/mt ex-works for the European market.
Export offers of seamless pipes of 60-168 mm diameter, of 10, 20 steel grades according to GOST 8731/8732 or ASTM A106, from Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk Tube Works are at $950-980/mt FOB.
Russia-based ChTPZ Group's export quotations for hot-formed pipes with diameter of 60.3-219 mm of 10, 20 steel grades according to GOST 8731/8732 or ASTM A106 are at $800-880/mt FOB.
Seamless pipes with 57-219 mm diameter of 10, 20 steel grades as per GOST 8731/8732 from Volzhsky Pipe Plant (TMK Group, Russia) are quoted in the range of $930-960/mt FOB.