Despite the conclusion of the end-of-Ramadan holiday in Middle Eastern countries, activity in the welded pipe market in Saudi Arabia has remained sluggish. Domestic quotations of welded pipes from Saudi manufacturers have decreased by $10-20/mt in the past month, while export quotations have declined by $5/mt over the same period. Demand for welded pipes from Saudi manufacturers from both the domestic market and Gulf countries may remain quite slow during summer due to the holiday season and hot weather. Saudi welded pipe manufacturers hope that demand will start to pick up from autumn up to the end of the year.
Current offers from Saudi Arabia's commercial producers for 1"-4" ERW pipes grade A, B as per ASTM A53 are at $700-720/mt ex-works.
Quality Saudi Arabian manufacturers, approved by state-owned national oil company Saudi Aramco, are offering 6"-16" ERW bare pipes of grade B as per API 5L PSL 2 at around $790-800/mt ex-works, while 18"-20" pipes are at $840-850/mt ex-works.
Export quotations of 6"-16" welded steel pipes grade B made to API 5L from quality producers are at $820-840/mt FOB.
Import offers of Chinese seamless pipes 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local Saudi market at $500-520/mt C&F, compared to $500-540/mt CFR one month ago.