Activity remains slack in the Czech market for seamless pipes amid weak demand from consuming industries. However, Czech producers have been looking for an increase in their export prices seeing somewhat better demand from Europe and the Middle East. Thus, export offers of Czech seamless pipes have increased by around €20/mt over the past month. However, the market has not recovered yet and caution prevails regarding the outlook for 2012. Despite sluggish demand, seamless pipe prices from Czech producers are expected to remain at current levels throughout the first quarter on the back of high production and transportation costs.
Current export prices for 2"-3" Sch 40 seamless bare pipes (without varnish coating) of steel grade B made to ASTM A106 from ArcelorMittal Ostrava are at €940/mt FCA for March rolling, while ¾"-1" seamless pipes are at €1,060-1,080/mt FCA.
Current export quotations for 3"-10" Sch 40 seamless pipes of steel grade B made to ASTM A106 with varnish coating from ArcelorMittal Ostrava are at €970/mt FCA, while ¾"-1" seamless pipes are at €1,090-1,110/mt FCA.
Export offers of 3"-10" seamless steel tubes for mechanical and general engineering purposes of steel grade S235JR as per EN 10297 from ArcelorMittal Ostrava are at around €1,000-1,020/mt FCA.