Seamless pipe demand in Romania remains slow due to seasonal factors and the financial crisis in Europe. Romanian seamless pipe producers have maintained their domestic offers for February material at previous levels, while export quotations of Romanian seamless pipes have decreased by €50-100/mt over the past month. Import quotations of seamless pipes from the Czech Republic have remained unchanged over the same period. Most market players prefer to stay on the sidelines until the market situation becomes clearer. However, Romanian pipe makers hope for better market conditions in March amid the seasonal demand revival in spring and low stocks.
Romanian domestic quotations of 3"-10" seamless pipes made to ASTM or EN are at about €1,040-1,080/mt delivered (excluding 24 percent VAT), while quotations of 18" seamless pipes are at €1,320-1,340/mt delivered.
Export offers of 8"-12" seamless pipes of grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given by ArcelorMittal Roman to the external markets at around €930-955/mt FCA, 16" seamless pipes are quoted at €1,050-1,100/mt FCA, while 20" pipes are at about €1,230-1,250/mt FCA. Export quotations of 4"-6" seamless boiler tubes made to EN 10216 from TMK Artrom are at €930-960/mt FCA.
Import offers of 3"-10" seamless pipes from the Czech Republic (ArcelorMittal) of grade B as per ASTM A106 are being given to the Romanian market at €980-1,000/mt CPT.