Seasonal slowdown in Czech seamless pipe market

The Czech seamless pipe market is experiencing a seasonal summer slowdown. Over the past month, export prices of Czech seamless pipes have stayed unchanged. However, market insiders think that after the summer Czech seamless pipe producers will try to pass on increases. The outlook for activity in the European seamless pipe sector in the remainder of 2011 is rather positive. Demand for seamless pipes from European countries should strengthen with key pipe using sectors such as automotive, engineering and metal goods expected to see robust growth in activity. Also, demand from construction is forecast to improve, particularly in 2012.
 
Export prices for August-September production 3"-10" Sch 40 seamless pipes of steel grade B made to ASTM A106 from ArcelorMittal Ostrava are at €950/mt FCA, offers of 1 1/4"-1 ½" seamless pipes are at €1,000/mt FCA, while ½"-1" seamless pipes are at €1,070-1,090/mt FCA.