Demand for welded pipes in the Indian domestic market remains firmer than in the international market. Exports of welded pipes from India during the first four months of this year amounted to 16,390 mt, down 93 percent on the same period of last year. With the Indian government investing $8.95 billion in infrastructure, Indian pipe makers are concentrating on local consumers. However, a seasonal lull is currently noted in India's welded pipe market and prices have decreased a little. Thus, over the past two weeks a decrease of INR 1,000-2,000/mt has been seen in domestic offers while there has been a decline of $10-50/mt in export offers. Market players inform Steel Orbis that these days prices are stable; however, if coil prices continue to rise, they will push up welded pipe offers.
Indian 1"-6" black ERW pipes are currently being offered to the domestic market at around INR 32,000-33,000/mt ex-works ($660-680/mt) on theoretical weight basis, excluding tax. Current offers of electric-welded galvanized pipes are in the range of INR 38,000-40,000/mt ex-works ($785-825/mt), depending on producers.
Export quotations of Indian 1"-6" black ERW pipes as per BS 1387 (light series) are at the level of $690-700/mt FOB, with export offers of 1"-6" galvanized ERW pipes at $750-800/mt FOB.