There have been no major changes in the Iranian seamless pipe market over the past month in a context of steady demand, though import quotations of seamless pipes have maintained their slow upward trend. In particular, quotations of Chinese seamless pipes have increased by a maximum of $20/mt. Import offers of Ukrainian seamless pipes have moved up by a maximum of $20/mt during the past month, while quotations of Russian material have risen by a maximum of $10/mt. Import offers of seamless pipes will likely continue to climb up on back of higher demand from Iranian customers. The Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) is to inaugurate 16 projects at a cost of $2 billion in the current Iranian year (started March 21). The projects concern the steel, iron ore, coke and cement industries. Market players think the Iranian government measures to significantly increase steel imports to satisfy bourgeoning demand for steel in the country will support rising import offers of seamless pipes.
Import offers of Chinese seamless pipes, 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L, are being given to the local Iranian market at $1,060-1,150/mt C&F Bandar Abbas, compared with $1,080-1,130/mt C&F four weeks ago.
Quotations of Ukrainian seamless pipes of 2"-14" size grade B as per ASTM A106/API 5L are at about $1,250-1,260/mt C&F Bandar Abbas, against $1,230-1,260/mt C&F one month ago.
Russian pipes of 2"-8" grade B as per ASTM A106/API 5L are being offered to northern Iranian ports at $1,200-1,250/mt C&F Anzali, against $1,190-1,240/mt C&F in the middle of April.