Saudi Arabian producers have maintained their domestic and export prices for welded pipes unchanged at the levels of one month ago amid stable quotations of flat steel. However, the expected improvement in buying activity at the beginning of this year on the back of stronger performance of the construction sector may push welded pipe quotations up in the coming period.
Quality Saudi Arabian manufacturers, approved by state-owned national oil company Saudi Aramco, are offering 6"-16" welded steel pipes grade B as per API 5L with plain ends at around $1,000-1,050/mt ex-works on actual weight basis, but may reduce their prices by a maximum of $50/mt for large-volume supplies of pipes for projects.
Current offers from Saudi Arabian commercial producers for 2"-8" ERW pipes grade A, B as per ASTM A53 are being given to the domestic market at $940-1,020/mt ex-works on theoretical weight basis.
Export quotations from Saudi Arabia of 6"-16" welded steel pipes grade B made to API 5L from quality producers are at $1,050-1,100/mt FOB, while export offers of 2"-8" ERW pipes from Saudi commercial producers are at $970-1,050/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 $830-850/mt CFR, unchanged from the levels of one month ago.