Amid the recent upward price trend in China, nearly all product groups within the Turkish flats steel segment experienced notable increases last week. Turkish pipe producers also raised their prices, supported by a slight improvement in demand. However, market dynamics shifted this week as demand weakened compared to the previous week, returning to previously low levels. As a result, pipe producers had no choice but to reduce their offers slightly. According to market participants, further price declines may occur in the coming weeks, as overall business activity remains subdued and August is typically a slow period for both domestic and export markets.
“China’s price surge caused some panic and brief increases, but with weak demand and the summer holiday period, we’ve seen a slight pullback this week. We anticipate more active market conditions and real price movement in September,” a pipe producer told SteelOrbis.
As a result, domestic hollow section offers have declined to $620–640/mt ex-works, down from $630–640/mt ex-works the previous week.
Export prices have also softened, with current offers at $600–620/mt FOB, compared to $625–635/mt FOB last week. However, sources report that some pipe producers have issued prices as low as $580–590/mt FOB.
