The Turkish hollow section market has seen little change this week, with prices remaining stable as pipe makers keep their offers firm, supported by strong HRC and scrap prices. However, the weak demand environment leaves no real room for further increases, with consumption still slow and expected to remain subdued throughout this month and likely until the end of next month, partly due to Ramadan. Ongoing financial constraints, particularly in the local market, continue to weigh on purchasing activity, while export sales are mostly limited to neighboring countries and remain modest overall. Despite these challenges, firm raw material costs have so far prevented any downward pressure on prices, although some pipe makers remain willing to offer discounts in negotiations, especially for serious buyers and larger tonnages, in order to secure sales.
Domestic hollow section prices have therefore largely held their ground over the past week, with official quotations remaining at $625-640/mt ex-works. Still, weaker demand has led some producers to show flexibility in negotiations, with deals reported at around $615-630/mt ex-works for larger-volume purchases.
Export prices have also remained stable at $620-630/mt FOB. However, market sources note that certain larger mills are pursuing a more competitive approach, with their workable levels heard closer to $610-615/mt FOB in order to secure business.