Domestic offers of welded pipes from UAE producers have declined by a slight margin of around $5-10/mt over the past month amid efforts to spur buying activity prior to Ramadan. Over the same period, import offers of Chinese and Indian welded pipes have declined by a maximum of $10/mt. Price declines, stable buying in consuming industries and the necessity to replenish stocks before Ramadan have helped to improve the market performance. However, the majority of market participants are not anticipating major sales in July, and so it is quite probable that quotations will remain at relatively stable levels.
UAE domestic prices for locally produced 1"-4" welded pipes with 2-4 mm wall thickness of grade B made to ASTM A53 or BS 1387 are at about $725-740/mt ex-works, while 1/2" pipes are at around $735-750/mt ex-works. Prices are given on theoretical weight basis. Domestic quotations of 1"-4" welded pipes with 1.5 mm wall thickness of grade B made to ASTM or BS 1387 are at about $755-770/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 $640-670/mt CFR.
Indian suppliers are offering ERW pipes, 1"-6" as per BS 1387 (light series), to the UAE at $720-750/mt CFR on actual weight basis.