Although demand for seamless pipes in Saudi Arabia has increased slightly over the past month, it is still rather modest. Saudi buyers have high stock levels and are booking only for immediate requirements. In such market conditions, some foreign seamless pipe suppliers have reduced their offers to spur buying activity. However, demand is expected to improve gradually as spring approaches and as consumption picks up.
Chinese suppliers have decreased their seamless pipe offer prices by $10-20/mt from one month ago, while quotations of Ukrainian material have lost around $20-60/mt. Offers of seamless pipes from South Africa have declined by $5-20/mt over the same period, while prices of Japanese material have remained unchanged.
Most offers of Chinese seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM are being given to the Saudi Arabian market at $780-840/mt CFR.
Quotations of Ukrainian seamless pipes (Interpipe) of 2"-10" grade B made to ASTM A106 to Saudi Arabia are at $960-1,030/mt CFR.
South African seamless pipes (ArcelorMittal), 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106, are quoted at around $980-1,025mt CFR Saudi Arabia.
Quotations from Japan (NSSMC) for seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are at about $1,425-1,475/mt CFR Saudi Arabia.