Demand for seamless pipes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is still on the weak side, while import prices have continued to soften. Over the past month, seamless pipe offers from China have remained at their previous levels, while quotations of Ukrainian pipes have decreased by $10-20/mt. Import offers of seamless pipes from Germany and Italy have slid down by $20-40/mt, while quotations of Romanian material have declined by around $65-75/mt. Meanwhile, purchasing activity is still slack as Emirati buyers prefer to keep cash rather than stock ahead of their year-end balance sheets. Market players believe seamless pipe import prices to the UAE may continue narrow-range fluctuations in the short run given the lack of changes in the market fundamentals.
Most offers of seamless pipes of 2"-8" grade B made to ASTM/API from the majority of Chinese mills are being given to the local UAE market at $500-520/mt CFR.
Quotations of Ukrainian seamless pipes, 2"-6" Sch 40 grade B made to ASTM/API, are at $880-910/mt CFR, while 8"-10" pipes are at $900-940/mt CFR.
Seamless pipes from Romania (ArcelorMittal) of 3"-10" grade B made to ASTM/API are quoted at about $1,020-1,035/mt CFR.
Quotations from Germany and France (V&M) for seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM/API are at about $1,030-1,060/mt CFR.
Offers of 2”-6” seamless pipes from Italy (Tenaris Dalmine) of grade B made to ASTM/API are being given to the UAE at $1,220-1,250/mt CFR.