The local welded pipe market in the UAE has continued to be characterized by sluggishness. Market insiders report that activity is still low in the UAE domestic market due to high stocks and lack of sufficiently strong demand from consuming sectors. Thus, domestic prices for locally produced pipes have decreased by $5-10/mt over the past month amid low transaction activity. Prices for Chinese and Indian welded pipes in the UAE have decreased by $10-30/mt over the period in question. Nevertheless, market players believe demand for welded pipes in the UAE may become firmer in the coming period with support from real estate, infrastructure and commercial projects in the country.
UAE domestic prices for locally produced ½"-4" welded pipes with 2-4 mm wall thickness of grade B made to ASTM A53 or BS 1387 are at about $650-670/mt ex-works. Prices are given on theoretical weight basis.
Domestic quotations of 1"-4" welded pipes with 1.5-1.8 mm wall thickness of grade B made to ASTM or BS 1387 are at about $665-690/mt ex-works. Current domestic prices of 1"-4" galvanized ERW pipes with 2-4 mm wall thickness are in the range of $840-850/mt ex-works.
Offers of Chinese ERW pipes up to 10" grade B as per ASTM are being given to the UAE market at about $500-520/mt CFR, $20-30/mt lower than one month ago.
Indian suppliers are offering ERW pipes, 1"-6" as per BS 1387 (light series), to the UAE at $650-670/mt CFR, $10/mt lower than one month ago.