The local Chinese steel pipe market has mostly moved on a downward trend during the past week.
As of December 22, 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 $639/mt (RMB 4,440/mt), with 20# (GB/T8163-1999) grade 219 mm x 6 mm seamless pipe at $639/mt (RMB 4,440/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 $528/mt (RMB 3,667/mt) and $531/mt (RMB 3,690/mt) respectively. All the above prices include 17 percent VAT. ($1 = RMB 6.95)
The local Chinese seamless pipe market has moved on a slight downtrend during the past week, influenced by decreases in prices of billet and other raw materials, while overall trading activity remains slack in the current off-season for business. While traders are willing to offer discounts coming towards the end of the year, at the same time costs are at high levels and provide support for prices. For the week ahead, it is thought that domestic seamless pipe prices will fluctuate slightly.
The local Chinese welded pipe market has followed a soft trend in the past seven days against the backdrop of decreases in prices of steel strip and other steel products. Trading activity has remained at low levels. Steel pipe producers have chosen to reduce their seamless pipe prices and traders have followed suit. As for the coming week, it is believed that domestic welded pipe prices may indicate minor fluctuations.
| Product Name | Spec. | Category | City | Steel Plant/Origin | Price (RMB/mt) | Price ($/mt) | Weekly Change (RMB/mt) |
| Seamless pipe | Φ108 mm x 4.5 mm | 20# (GB/T8162-1999) | Shanghai | Wuxi | 4,290 | 617 | ↓10 |
| Guangzhou | Shandong | 4,690 | 675 | ↓10 | |||
| Beijing | Angang | 4,340 | 624 | ↓10 | |||
| Average price | - | 4,440 | 639 | ↓10 | |||
| Φ219 mm x 6 mm | 20# (GB/T8163-1999) | Shanghai | Zhenda | 4,290 | 617 | ↓10 | |
| Guangzhou | Angang | 4,740 | 682 | ↓10 | |||
| Beijing | Shandong | 4,290 | 617 | ↓10 | |||
| Average price | - | 4,440 | 639 | ↓10 | |||
| Welded pipe | Φ48 mm x 3.25 mm | Q195-Q215 | Shanghai | Tangshan | 3,700 | 532 | ↓100 |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou | 3,820 | 550 | ↓30 | |||
| Beijing | Jinghua | 3,480 | 501 | ↓90 | |||
| Average price | - | 3,667 | 528 | ↓73 | |||
| Ф114 mm x 3.75 mm | Q215-Q235 | Shanghai | Huaqi | 3,740 | 538 | ↓90 | |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou | 3,870 | 557 | ↓30 | |||
| Beijing | Zengzhou | 3,460 | 498 | ↓90 | |||
| Average price | - | 3,690 | 531 | ↓70 |
17 percent VAT is included in all prices and all prices are ex-warehouse.
$1 = RMB 6.95