The Turkish welded pipe market has seen some improvement over the past week, supported by somewhat stronger demand. In addition, hot rolled coil (HRC) prices in the country have continued to move up rapidly.
As a result, welded pipe export prices from Turkey have increased by $5/mt over the past two weeks to $500-510/mt FOB, while the product is available for end of December-January shipments. In the local market, the same prices are offered with the same margin of increase, SteelOrbis has learned. “Stronger HRC is supporting the uptrend in the pipe market. Also, domestic and export demand is better than it was two weeks back,” a source said. Some players are pointing out that some supply problems from Ukraine are also affecting feedstock purchases and the general mood in the segment.
It is believed that the domestic welded pipe prices will be moving in line with the workable HRC price levels. Export pipe offers from Turkey may remain stable for now due to still limited demand and competition among suppliers.
** Prices are given for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from HRC of S235 grade as per EN 10219, on theoretical weight basis.