Chinese producers of seamless pipes have continued to reduce their domestic and export prices amid lackluster demand in and outside the country as well as further cuts in round billet prices. Over the past two weeks, domestic prices of Chinese seamless pipes have decreased by a minimum of RMB 200/mt ($30/mt), while export quotations have declined by around $10-40/mt. It is expected that China's seamless pipe prices will continue their weak trend in the near term amid fragile market sentiment.
Chinese domestic prices of 2"-6" seamless pipes according to GB/8162-8163 are varying at around RMB 4,600-4,800/mt ($725-760/mt) ex-works, including 17 percent VAT. Domestic prices of seamless pipes, 2"-8" grade B as per ASTM A106/API 5L, are at around RMB 5,500-5,700/mt ($870-900/mt) ex-works.
Current export offers of seamless pipes from most Chinese manufacturers for 2"-8" Sch 40 grade B material according to ASTM A106 are on average at $760-830/mt FOB, while bigger producers are offering the same pipes at about $840-900/mt FOB. Most export offers of 10" -14" seamless pipes of grade B as per ASTM A106 are at $830-910/mt FOB.