During the week ending September 17, average Chinese steel pipe export offer prices have remained stable. At present, export offers for welded pipe given by Chinese suppliers are in the range of $470-480/mt FOB, moving sideways on average compared to September 10, while export offers for API 5L seamless pipe given by Chinese suppliers are at $490-500/mt FOB, for November shipment, remaining unchanged on average compared to September 10.
| Product name | Quality | Spec. | Price ($/mt) FOB | Weekly change ($/mt) |
| API 5L seamless pipe | Gr.B | 2’’-6’’ Std | 495 | - |
| Seamless pipe, casing (hot rolled forming) | J55 | 3’’-8’’ Std | 495 | - |
| Seamless pipe, tubing (cold drawn forming) | ST37 | < 3’’ Std | 675 | - |
| Welded pipes | Gr.B | 2’’-6’’ Std | 475 | - |
During the given week, steel pipe prices in the Chinese domestic market have moved sideways amid the sluggish demand from downstream users. However, ferrous metal futures prices have seen increases, exerting a positive impact on market sentiments, which will positively affect steel pipe prices in the near future. Since the National Day holiday (October 1-8) is approaching, stock replenishments will bolster steel pipe prices. It is expected that steel pipe prices in the Chinese domestic market will edge up in the coming week.
As of September 17, HRC futures at Shanghai Futures Exchange are standing at RMB 3,390/mt ($477.5/mt), increasing by RMB 48/mt ($6.5/mt) or 1.4 percent since September 10, while declining by 0.38 percent compared to the previous trading day, September 16.
$1 = RMB 7.1013