Over the past week, Turkish welded pipe producers have managed to keep their export prices stable despite the weak demand in target markets. As a result, the export offers for end-October and November shipments are still at $490-510/mt FOB. According to market sources, buyers are still making price inquiries, however, these inquiries have not yet transformed into actual deals yet.
Local prices in Turkish welded pipe market, on the other hand, inched up by $5-10/mt to $490-510/mt ex-works, but business activity is still weak. Sources say that lower currency rate is one of the reasons for the uptick. Meanwhile, cautious optimism in the import scrap segment might provide another ground for the rise of the HRC and welded pipe prices, some sources believe. In addition, the planned maintenance works at the local integrated facilities might as well support the pricing, SteelOrbis understands.
**Prices are given for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from HRC of S235 grade as per EN 10219, on theoretical weight basis.