Tight supply from Turkish welded pipe producers still exists due to the continuing strength of domestic demand resulting from the ongoing Trans-Anatolian pipeline project (TANAP). In addition, activities in the Turkish construction sector have not slowed down due to Ramadan as much as had been expected and this has also contributed to the strong welded pipe demand in the country.
On the other hand, after recording a slight recovery last week, demand for Turkish welded pipes in the European market has remained at weak levels this week. European buyers are focused on the Greek referendum due to take place on Sunday, July 5, and if Greece and its creditors fail to come to terms after the referendum, the euro is expected to lose ground against the Turkish lira, negatively impacting Turkish welded pipe exports to the European market. Meanwhile, in the Middle East market it is still difficult for Turkish welded pipe exporters to conclude sales due to Ramadan.
Most offers of Turkish ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from hot rolled coil (HRC) of S235 grade as per EN 10219 are now being given to the domestic market at about $530-580/mt ex-works on actual weight basis, down $5-15/mt over the past week.
Turkish producers are offering ERW pipes and hollow sections made from HRC of steel grade S235 JRH as per EN 10219 to foreign customers at around $465-480/mt FOB, down $40-45/mt compared to the price levels recorded in the previous week.