The seamless pipe market in the UAE has witnessed a slight upturn in buying activity. However, amid high stocks, traders are still cautious and are buying only small quantities for their urgent needs. Nevertheless, most foreign suppliers have increased their offers, expecting a seasonal rebound of demand in the coming period. Prices of Chinese seamless pipes for the UAE have increased by a maximum of $40/mt over the past month, while offers of seamless pipes from Romania have moved up by around $10/mt on the back of currency fluctuations. Offers for seamless pipes from Argentina have increased by around $30-50/mt, while prices of seamless pipes from Japan have gone up by $20-30/mt over the past month. Quotations of seamless pipes from Ukraine and South Africa have remained almost unchanged over the period under review.
Seamless pipe demand in the UAE is expected to see a gradual recovery on the back of a number of investment projects in the country. Business confidence in the market is strong, boosting the prospects for consumption of seamless pipes in the region.
Offers of Chinese seamless pipes of 2"-8" grade B made to ASTM/API are being given to the local UAE market at $830-950/mt CFR.
Quotations of Ukrainian (Interpipe) seamless pipes, 2"-12" Sch 40 grade B made to ASTM, are at $1,050-1,100/mt CFR.
Seamless pipes from Romania (ArcelorMittal) of 3"-12" grade B made to ASTM are quoted at about $1,390-1,440/mt CFR Dubai, while offers of 14"-16" pipes are being given at $1,460-1,570/mt CFR.
South African (ArcelorMittal) seamless pipes, 3"-6" grade B made to ASTM/API, are being quoted to the UAE in the range of $1,120-1,150/mt CFR.
Offers of seamless pipes from Argentina, 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM/API from Tenaris, are being given to the UAE at $1,500-1,530/mt CFR.
Quotations from France and Germany (V&M) and from Japan (Sumitomo) for seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM/API are at about $1,400-1,450/mt CFR.