During the week ending December 10, average Chinese steel pipe export offer prices have moved sideways. At present, export offers for welded pipe given by Chinese suppliers are in the range of $460-470/mt FOB, remaining stable on average compared to December 3, while export offers for API 5L seamless pipe given by Chinese suppliers are at $470-490/mt FOB, for February shipment, remaining unchanged on average compared to December 3.
| Product name | Quality | Spec. | Price ($/mt) FOB | Weekly change ($/mt) |
| API 5L seamless pipe | Gr.B | 2’’-6’’ Std | 480 | - |
| Seamless pipe, casing (hot rolled forming) | J55 | 3’’-8’’ Std | 480 | - |
| Seamless pipe, tubing (cold drawn forming) | ST37 | < 3’’ Std | 650 | - |
| Welded pipes | Gr.B | 2’’-6’’ Std | 465 | - |
During the given week, steel pipe prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved sideways amid production cuts in northern China due to environmental protection measures against pollution. The easing pressure on the supply side has exerted a positive impact on steel pipe prices. However, cautious sentiments have prevailed among market players, which may weaken the support for the steel pipe market. Stock replenishments for winter usage may generate demand and bolster steel pipe prices in the near future. It is expected that steel pipe prices in the Chinese domestic market will fluctuate within a limited range in the coming week.
As of December 10, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,282/mt ($464/mt), decreasing by RMB 37/mt ($5.2/mt) or 1.1 percent since December 3, while increasing by 0.58 percent compared to the previous trading day, December 9.
$1 = RMB 7.0753
