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