The seamless pipe market in China has been characterized by some decreases in prices before the Chinese Spring Festival holiday. Over the past two weeks, Chinese domestic seamless pipe prices have declined by RMB 50-100/mt ($11-20/mt), while China's seamless pipe export prices have moved down by a maximum of $10/mt. The main reason behind the price decreases has been insufficient demand in both the domestic and overseas markets. However, market players are upbeat about the prospects for the seamless pipe market in March and April as demand will likely see a seasonal rebound.
Domestic prices of 4"-8" seamless pipes according to GB/8162-8163 are varying at around RMB 3,800-4,200/mt ($608-672/mt) ex-works, including 17 percent VAT.
Chinese ex-stock prices for 2"-8" seamless pipes according to GB/8162-8163 in Shanghai are at around RMB 3,200-3,500/mt ($512-560/mt) ex-warehouse, including 17 percent VAT, while traders in Tianjin and Beijing are offering the same pipes at around RMB 3,150-3,450/mt ($504-552/mt) ex-warehouse.
Current export quotations from most Chinese manufacturers for 2"-6" Sch40 grade B seamless pipes according to ASTM A106/API 5L are on average at $550-570/mt FOB.
$1 = RMB 6.25