Currently, Turkish flat steel producers are likely to increase their domestic market prices due to the ongoing strength of iron ore prices, the upward movement of scrap prices in the latest deals, and since they expect their export sales to accelerate following the reduction of the 50 percent duty on Turkish steel imports in the US to 25 percent. As prices of hot rolled coil (HRC), which is used as raw material in welded pipe production, are expected to increase, Turkish welded pipe producers will likely increase their domestic prices gradually. Meanwhile, besides the current economic and political problems in Turkey, the Turkish lira has continued to depreciate against the US dollar. Under these circumstances, buyers in the local Turkish welded pipe market have started to replenish their inventories, which have long been almost empty, before any upward movement of prices. Accordingly, demand for domestic welded pipe in Turkey has recovered over the past week. Meanwhile, since little time is left before the new quota period in Europe will start in July, European buyers have started to conclude welded pipe bookings from Turkey, with Turkish exporters receiving orders for welded pipe and hollow sections which will be loaded beginning from June. Accordingly, market players are concerned about the possibility of tight supplies for the coming period. For now, Turkish exporters’ prices for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from hot rolled coil (HRC) of S235 grade as per EN 10219 to their domestic markets are still at $585-600/mt ex-works. In addition, SteelOrbis has been informed that offers at $610/mt ex-works have also started to be heard.