Domestic market offers of welded pipes, 2"-8" grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L, are in the range RMB 3,350-3,850/mt ($490-560/mt) ex-works, while 8"-12" sizes are in the range of RMB 3,750-4,000/mt ($550-585/mt) ex-works. These local market prices exclude 17 percent VAT. On the other hand, current export prices of Chinese welded pipes, 2"-8" grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L, are varying at around $620-650/mt FOB, and at around $650-680/mt FOB for sizes above 8".
Domestic stockists' prices for ERW pipes, up to 6" grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L, are about RMB 3,250-3,350/mt ($480-490/mt) ex-warehouse, excluding 17 percent VAT. Meanwhile, export quotations for LSAW pipes, 24"-26" API 5L X52, are at the level of $830-850/mt FOB.
Taking into account the surplus of welded pipe offers in China's domestic market due to the weak export situation, market players do not foresee any considerable price increase in the domestic market in the near term.