Against a background of continuing weakness of demand from both local and foreign customers, Turkish welded pipe prices have remained almost unchanged in the last two weeks. Despite the sluggish demand, some mills have tried to raise their quotations amid expectations of coil price increases by CIS suppliers. Thus, in some cases the lower end of domestic and export prices for welded pipes has risen by a maximum of $10/mt over the past two weeks. Yet, most traders think that the pipe mills will not be able to raise their prices due to the extremely low buying activity in the market. Still, market participants are currently waiting for the situation as regards flat product prices to gain greater clarity.
Domestic quotations of ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-6 mm wall thickness made from HRC are at the level of $570-600/mt ex-works, while ERW pipes and hollow sections of 1.5 mm wall thickness made from CRC are at the range of $670-700/mt ex-works. Water and gas ERW pipes of 2.0-4.5 mm wall thickness made to EN 10255/DIN 2440 from S235 grade HR products are being offered to the domestic market at $600-620/mt ex-works.
Export prices of Turkish ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-6 mm wall thickness made from HRC according to EN 10219 or ASTM A500 are at the level of $580-600/mt FOB. Export offers of ERW pipes and hollow sections of 1.5 mm wall thickness made from HRC are at around $655-675/mt FOB, while the same products made from CRC are at $680-700/mt FOB. Water and gas ERW pipes of 2.0-4.5 mm wall thickness made to EN 10255/DIN 2440 from S235 grade HR products are being offered for export at about $600-630/mt FOB.