Business activity in the Saudi Arabian welded pipe market has slowed over the past month. Saudi traders are holding back from concluding purchases, having sufficient stock levels, while end-users are reducing their purchases at the end of the year. Over the past month, quotations of quality welded pipes have declined by a maximum of $20/mt in line with lower quotations of flat steel, while offers of commercial quality material have fallen by around $5/mt. Market players believe welded pipe consumption in Saudi Arabia will start to strengthen in January.
Current offers from Saudi Arabia's commercial producers for 1"-4" ERW pipes grade A, B as per ASTM A53 are at $810-860/mt delivered (here and below on a theoretical weight basis).
Quality Saudi Arabian manufacturers approved by state-owned national oil company Saudi Aramco are offering 6"-10" welded steel pipes grade B as per API 5L with plain ends at around $930-980/mt ex-works.
Export quotations of 6"-10" welded steel pipes grade B made to API 5L from quality producers are at $980-1,030/mt FOB.
Commercial manufacturers are offering 1"-4" ERW pipes grade A, B as per ASTM A53 to the external market at $830-890/mt FOB.
Offers of Chinese ERW pipes up to 10" grade B as per ASTM A53/API 5L are being given to the Saudi market at $600-620/mt CFR, compared to $600-640/mt CFR one month ago.