China's welded pipe market has seen a stable trend over the past two weeks. The further rise of welded pipe prices has been restrained by the slow recovery of downstream demand in the domestic market and by very low overseas buying activity. Meanwhile, some market participants still believe welded pipe prices in China may rise in November boosted by new construction projects in the country. However, most market players remain cautious as regards the outlook for the future market as the coming winter will cause a slowdown in activity in the construction sector.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes, 2"-6" Q215-Q235 grade, are being given to the Chinese domestic market at an average of RMB 3,800-4,100/mt ($604-651/mt) ex-works, while 2"-6" welded pipes of grade B as per ASTM A53 are at RMB 4,200-4,300/mt ($667-683/mt) ex-works. These local market welded pipe prices include 17 percent VAT.
Current export prices of welded pipes from large mills, 2"-10" grade B according to ASTM A53, are varying at around $680-750/mt FOB on actual weight basis, while export offers of smaller mills are standing at $650-670/mt FOB.