Seamless pipe demand weakens in Germany ahead of summer holidays

The German seamless pipe market is dormant ahead of the traditional summer vacation season. Domestic and export quotations of German seamless pipes have remained unchanged over the past month due to the persistent slow demand. Prices of Chinese seamless pipes for Germany have gone down by a maximum of €15/mt ($20/mt) in the past month, while Romanian suppliers have reduced quotations by a maximum of €20/mt ($27/mt) during the same period. Import quotations of seamless pipes from Ukraine and Italy have remained stable over the period under review. The majority of market players see no prospects for better market conditions and price increases in the coming period as order activity traditionally slows down with the start of the summer holiday period.
 
German 2"-6" seamless pipes of grade S355 made to EN 10210 are being offered to local buyers at around €915-930/mt ($1,244-1,265/mt) delivered.
 
Export quotations of German 2"-4" seamless pipes of grade B as per ASTM A106 are in the range of €910-940/mt ($1,238-1,278/mt) FCA on theoretical weight basis.
 
Prices for Chinese seamless pipes, 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L, are at about €560-585/mt ($762-796/mt) CFR Germany, exclusive of antidumping duties.
 
Offers of Ukrainian 2"-6" seamless pipes made to EN 10210 of steel grade S235 are in the range of €680-700/mt ($925-952/mt) CPT, exclusive of antidumping duties.
 
Romanian 4"-6" seamless pipes made to ASTM A106 of steel grade B are being offered to the German market at about €950-980/mt ($1,292-1,333/mt) CPT.
 
Prices for Italian seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106 are at about €1,000-1,040/mt ($1,360-1,414/mt) CPT.
 
€1 = $1.36