Activity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market for seamless pipes has increased somewhat, and foreign suppliers have mostly raised their offers. In particular, Chinese suppliers have increased their seamless pipe prices for the UAE by $50/mt over the past month. Seamless pipe prices from Ukrainian producers have gone up by $35-70/mt, while import offers of Russian seamless pipes have increased by $10-30/mt. Seamless pipe prices from Romania have surged by $20-40/mt over the period in question, while Czech suppliers have increased their offers by a maximum of $20/mt. Seamless pipe offers from top-tier producers from Italy (Tenaris) have increased by $100-210/mt over the past month. Market players expect some projects to be announced in May and hope for better demand. The region's consumption of OCTG and line pipes is expected to grow in the foreseeable future. However, the hot weather in summer may temporarily reduce buying activity in the UAE market.
Offers of Chinese seamless pipes of 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are being given to the local UAE market at $1,050-1,100/mt C&F.
Quotations of Ukrainian (Interpipe) seamless pipes 2"-8" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L are at $1,220-1,260/mt C&F for May production. Offers of similar seamless pipes with 2"-8" diameter from Russia are being given to the UAE at around $1,180-1,260/mt C&F for May-June production depending on the producer.
Seamless pipes from Romania (ArcelorMittal) of 3"-8" grade B made to API 5L are quoted at around $1,580-1,640/mt C&F Dubai, while 12"-14" seamless pipes are at $1,620-1,650/mt C&F.
Offers of 3"-10" seamless pipes from the Czech Republic (ArcelorMittal) grade B as per ASTM A106 are being given to the UAE at $1,450-1,480/mt C&F, while 1 1/4"-1 ½" seamless pipes are at $1,540-1,550/mt C&F.
Italian seamless pipes from Tenaris, 2"-6" grade B made to ASTM A106/API 5L, are being quoted to the UAE at $1,980-2,000/mt C&F. Seamless pipes from Argentina (Tenaris) of 12" grade B as per API 5L are quoted at around $1,700/mt C&F.