Buying activity in the Saudi market for welded pipes has weakened slightly in the past month ahead of Ramadan, when there will be a reduced number of working hours. However, Saudi Arabian manufacturers have been keeping their quotations unchanged over the past month. Although trade will be slower than usual during Ramadan, both domestic and export prices for welded pipes from Saudi producers are expected to remain stable amid firm flat steel prices. Meanwhile, welded pipe demand in Saudi Arabia is expected to strengthen after Ramadan on the back of a number of steel consuming infrastructure projects.
Quality Saudi Arabian manufacturers, approved by state-owned national oil company Saudi Aramco, are offering 6"-10" welded steel pipes grade B as per API 5L with plain ends at around $1,000-1,050/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis.
Current offers from Saudi Arabian commercial producers for 2"-8" ERW pipes grade A, B as per ASTM A53 are being given to the domestic market at $930-980/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis.
Export quotations from Saudi Arabia of 6"-10" welded steel pipes grade B made to API 5L from quality producers are at $1,050-1,100/mt FOB, while export offers of 2"-8" ERW pipes from Saudi commercial producers are at $950-1,000/mt FOB.
Import offers of Chinese welded pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local Saudi market at around $780-820/mt CFR, $20-30/mt lower than one month ago.