In Turkey, both domestic and export welded pipe prices have remained stable for now. However, Turkish suppliers are expected to revise their prices downwards, following the sharp drop in prices of raw materials and HRC observed since late August.
Domestic pipe prices in Turkey are ranging at $530-550/mt ex-works for now, while the level of $520/mt ex-works might as well be possible for larger orders. Export offers for October shipments are at $540-550/mt FOB, unchanged over the past two weeks. The segment has moved sideways despite the downturn in the HRC and raw materials’ markets.
As SteelOrbis reported earlier, mport scrap prices in Turkey have lost up to $20/mt since the end of last month to $247-250/mt CFR for HMS I/II 80:20 scrap of EU and Baltic origin. Local prices for HRC are indicatively set at $475-485/mt ex-works base, while import HRC prices are at $460-475/mt CFR with bids $10-20/mt lower for both.
Market players expect Turkish pipe prices to decrease by at least $20/mt. “Global demand for pipes has stopped due to decreasing scrap prices. For this reason Turkish pipe sellers are trying to collect all the orders they can,” a sources told SteelOrbis. Moreover, there is a good chance scrap and HRC prices will drop further.
**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.