Demand has improved further in the Turkish welded pipe market since last week and is now characterized by market players as being strong. As a result, pipe buyers have accepted the latest price increase, also owing to the sustained uptrend in the hot rolled coil segment. "We have sold a good amount of material at the new prices, but HRC offers increased further at the beginning of this week. We think our prices may also move up further," a pipe producer told SteelOrbis. For now, prices for welded pipes are standing at $510-540/mt ex-works in Turkey.
On the export side, demand is still moderate and Turkish pipe exporters continue to sell to their traditional markets. "Thanks to strong local demand, we do not have to be aggressive on exports. We have demand from the EU, but of course not like before Covid-19, and quotas are sufficient for the EU," another source told SteelOrbis. Export prices for welded pipes are now at $500-520/mt FOB.
** 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.