The local Chinese steel pipe market has been characterized by some softness in prices during the past week.
As of May 28, in China's three main steel markets, i.e., Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, the average price of 20# (GB/T8162-1999) grade 108 mm x 4.5 mm seamless pipe now stands at $537/mt, with 20# (GB/T8163-1999) grade 219 mm x 6 mm seamless pipe at $556/mt. Meanwhile, on the same date, Q195-215 grade 48 mm x 3.25 mm welded pipe and Q215-235 grade 114 mm x 3.75 mm welded pipe prices in the above markets are standing at $416/mt and $422/mt respectively. All the above prices include 17 percent VAT.
The Chinese domestic seamless pipe market has been mostly stable in the past week, with some minor decreases observed in prices also. Billet prices have declined slightly, contributing to the softness of seamless pipe prices. Low trading activity has negatively impacted sentiment among traders. It is believed that the local seamless pipe market may see some slight decreases in prices in the coming week.
The local Chinese welded pipe market has moved on a slight downtrend in the past seven days, while trading activity is still sluggish, which has been due in part to tight liquidity. Traders have been reducing their prices slightly in order to attract more deals. Further slight decreases in prices are expected to be seen in the coming week.
| Product Name | Spec. | Category | City | Steel Plant/Origin | Price (RMB/mt) | Price ($/mt) | Weekly Change (RMB/mt) |
| Φ108 mm x 4.5 mm | 20# (GB/T8162-1999) | Shanghai | Wuxi | 3,150 | 508 | 0 | |
| Guangzhou | Shandong | 3,650 | 589 | 0 | |||
| Seamless pipe | Beijing | Angang | 3,200 | 516 | ↓50 | ||
| Average price | - | 3,333 | 538 | ↓17 | |||
| Φ219 mm x 6 mm | 20# (GB/T8163-1999) | Shanghai | Zhenda | 3,250 | 524 | 0 | |
| Guangzhou | Angang | 3,800 | 613 | 0 | |||
| Beijing | Shandong | 3,300 | 532 | ↓50 | |||
| Average price | - | 3,450 | 556 | ↓17 | |||
| Welded pipe | Φ48 mm x 3.25 mm | Q195-Q215 | Shanghai | Tangshan | 2,530 | 408 | ↓20 |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou | 2,700 | 435 | 0 | |||
| Beijing | Jinghua | 2,500 | 403 | ↓20 | |||
| Average price | - | 2,577 | 416 | ↓13 | |||
| Ф114 mm x 3.75 mm | Q215-Q235 | Shanghai | Huaqi | 2,660 | 429 | ↓20 | |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou | 2,700 | 435 | 0 | |||
| Beijing | Zengzhou | 2,480 | 400 | ↓20 | |||
| Average price | - | 2,613 | 422 | ↓13 |
17 percent VAT is included in all prices and all prices are ex-warehouse.
$1 = RMB 6.20