The past month has not brought any significant changes to the Saudi welded pipe market as demand from consuming industries still lacks sufficient strength against the backdrop of the government's measures against illegal migrant workers. Despite higher offers of flat steel products in the domestic market, Saudi welded pipe producers have not revised their prices, leaving them unchanged at previous levels. Meanwhile, the general outlook for the Saudi welded pipe market remains positive thanks to a number of infrastructure and construction projects planned for 2014.
Welded pipes with 6"-10" diameter made of grade B steel to ASTM A53 /API 5L from quality producers (approved by Saudi Aramco) are quoted in the domestic market at $930-950/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis, while commercial quality 2"-8" welded pipes made of grade A steel to ASTM A53 are still offered to local buyers at $830-880/mt delivered.
Export quotations of welded pipes of grade B as per ASTM A53 from Saudi Arabian commercial producers are at $850-910/mt FOB, while export offers of quality pipes are at $980-1,000/mt FOB.
Import offers of Chinese welded pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local Saudi market at around $680-720/mt CFR, compared to $670-720/mt CFR one month ago.