Chinese steel pipe export prices have declined at a more rapid rate over the past two weeks. In the given period, export prices for Chinese seamless and welded pipes have declined by $20-45/mt, mainly attributable to the poor market performance as well as to falling prices for raw materials. Demand for Chinese steel pipes from foreign buyers will likely remain tepid with the approach of the end of the year, while the market may experience a further round of price declines in the remainder of this year.
Current export quotations from most Chinese manufacturers for 2"-6" Sch40/Sch 80 seamless pipes of steel grade B according to ASTM A106/API 5L are on average at $360-400/mt FOB, while prices of 20"-24" Sch40/Sch80 seamless pipes are at levels of $460-480/mt FOB.
Current export prices of 2"-6" welded pipes of grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L from Chinese mills are at around $320-350/mt FOB.