Activity in the welded pipe market in Saudi Arabia still remains slow due to sluggish construction activity affected by problems concerning employment in the country, the slowdown in global markets, and the approach of the end of the year. As a result, most Saudi pipe producers have kept their prices unchanged over the past month. Market players only expect a revival of demand after the problems concerning the illegal workforce in the country are resolved.
Welded pipes with 6"-10" diameter made of grade B steel to ASTM A53 /API 5L from quality producers (approved by Saudi Aramco) are quoted in the domestic market at $930-950/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis, while commercial quality 2"-8" welded pipes made of grade A steel to ASTM A53 are offered to local buyers at $830-880/mt delivered.
Export quotations of welded pipes of grade B as per ASTM A53 from Saudi Arabian commercial producers are at $850-910/mt FOB, while export offers of quality pipes are at $980-1,000/mt FOB.
Import offers of Chinese welded pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local Saudi market at around $670-700/mt CFR, compared to $700-740/mt CFR one month ago.