The Polish welded pipe market has slightly revived at the end of summer holidays. Prices for domestic welded pipes have increased by €40-60/mt over the past month, while export offers have soared by €30-60/mt with the improving demand and increased costs of raw materials. In particular, ArcelorMittal Poland has lifted its flats steel prices in view of steady demand. Thus, producer's base price for HRC of grade S235JR is €570-580/mt CPT for late September-early October production. Market insiders expect to see a pickup in demand for welded pipes in September as consumers return to the market after the holiday period and the further price growth is quite probable, although the market is still suffering of low domestic consumption due to higher unemployment rate and lack of important infrastructures investments.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC according to EN 10219 are being given to the domestic market at around €680-690/mt ex-works, exclusive of 22 percent VAT. Domestic quotations of water and gas ERW pipes of 2.0-4.5 mm wall thickness made to EN 10255 are at €700-710/mt ex-works.
Export quotations of Polish ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN 10219 are at the level of €640-650/mt FCA. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN10219 are in the range of €680-690/mt FCA.