Prices for welded pipes in the United Arab Emirates are increasing because of the higher prices of hot rolled coils. Prices for locally produced welded pipes have risen by $90-110/mt over the past month. Prices for Chinese welded pipes have increased by $40-70/mt over the period in question, while quotations of Indian welded pipes have gained $20-40/mt. Producers report that the price rises are because of the increasing raw material costs, though demand in the market remains weak. The main problems in the market are still lack of demand and credit issues. At the same time, consumers from neighboring countries in the Gulf region are showing more interest. The intention of CIS suppliers to further raise offer prices for flats may lead to another increase in welded pipe quotations in the UAE in the coming period.
Domestic prices for locally produced 1"-6" welded pipes with 2-4 mm wall thickness grade B made to ASTM A53 or BS 1387 are at about $790-850/mt ex-works, while ½"-¾" pipe sizes with 1.8-2.0 mm wall thickness are at $850-875/mt ex-works. Current domestic prices of 1"-4" galvanized ERW pipes made to BS 1387 are in the range of $960-980/mt ex-works. Prices are given on actual weight basis.
Offers of Chinese ERW pipes up to 10" grade B as per ASTM A53/API 5L are being given to the UAE market at $840-880/mt C&F, compared to $770-840/mt C&F one month ago.
Indian suppliers are offering ERW pipes 1"- 6" as per BS 1387 (light series) or API 5L at $920-950/mt C&F, compared to $880-930/mt one month ago.