Turkish hollow section prices have continued to decline this week, pressured by the ongoing softening in local HRC prices and persistently weak activity in both the domestic and export markets. Demand remains limited during the seasonally slow period, while existing financial pressures continue to affect both buyers and pipe producers. Although scrap prices have shown a slight increase, market participants do not expect this to support higher pipe prices, as weak demand remains the dominant factor. Accordingly, prices are expected to remain around their current levels in the near term. Meanwhile, aggressive offers from some large pipe producers have increased pressure on small and medium-sized suppliers, which are also willing to negotiate for firm and sizeable orders, although their room for discounts remains limited by production costs.
In the domestic market, Turkish hollow section offers are currently heard at $660-670/mt ex-works, down from $670-680/mt ex-works last week, while levels of around $650/mt ex-works are available for serious buyers. Some major pipe producers are also reported to have offered material at lower levels of around $630-640/mt ex-works.
In the export market, offers are generally heard at $650-670/mt FOB, compared to $660-670/mt FOB last week. Demand remains limited, with only occasional purchases from nearby regional markets. Meanwhile, some large pipe producers are reported to have offered more aggressive levels of around $600-620/mt FOB.
