The Chinese seamless pipe market is still quiet as market players have just returned to the market after the Spring Festival holiday. Domestic and export quotations of Chinese seamless pipes have remained almost unchanged over the past two weeks, and suppliers prefer to evaluate the situation in the market before making any changes in their prices. Market participants believe trading will remain sluggish in the coming short-term period, but may revive by the end of February in line with better weather conditions. However, export demand is expected to be limited based on the global economic situation.
Chinese domestic prices of 2"-6" seamless pipes according to GB/8162-8163 are varying at around RMB 5,000-5,400/mt ($790-855/mt) ex-works, including 17 percent VAT. Domestic prices of seamless pipes, 8"-12" grade B as per ASTM A106/API 5L, are at around RMB 5,600-6,200/mt ($890-980/mt) ex-works.
Current export offers of seamless pipes from Chinese manufacturers for 2"-10" Sch 40 grade B material according to ASTM A106/ASTM A53/API 5L are on average at $840-950/mt FOB, while 1/2" seamless pipes are at $1,030-1,050/mt FOB.
Export quotations for 13 3/8" casing, J55 as per API 5CT, BTC, are at $1,000-1,050/mt FOB, while 2 7/8"-3 1/2" tubing, plain ends, are at around $1,050-1,100/mt FOB.