Polish producers have had to cut domestic and export prices for their welded pipes again in view of extremely low demand for the material and falling quotations for flats. Domestic offers of Polish welded pipes have decreased by €25-30/mt over the past two weeks, while export quotations have declined by €20-30/mt. The lack of recovery in the construction market has also played its role in the weakness of the welded pipe market. Demand for welded pipes in Poland remains fragile, and this is putting strong pressure on buyers, who are extremely puzzled about the future development of the market. Market insiders are rather pessimistic and do not expect the situation to improve in the coming period, while demand may even shrink further due to seasonal factors.
Current offers of locally produced welded pipes and hollow sections made from S235JR grade HRC according to EN 10219 are being given to the domestic market at around €635-670/mt delivered, exclusive of 22 percent VAT. Domestic quotations of water and gas ERW pipes of 2.6-4.5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC according to EN 10255 are at €655-685/mt delivered. ERW galvanized pipes made to DIN 2440/2444 are quoted for local customers at a minimum of €855-865/mt delivered.
Export quotations of Polish ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-5 mm wall thickness made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN 10219 are at the level of €600-630/mt FCA. Offers of similar pipes with wall thickness of 1.5 mm made from S235JR grade HRC as per EN10219 are in the range of €630-670/mt FCA.