Another increase has been seen in the Turkish hollow section market this week, with prices moving upward in line with the upward trend of hot rolled coil (HRC) prices. Market participants indicate that strong scrap prices and higher energy costs have pushed HRC prices higher, allowing pipe producers to gradually lift their hollow section offers. While overall demand remains limited, activity in the domestic market has been better, partly as some buyers have chosen to secure material ahead of the upcoming holiday period amid concerns that prices could increase further afterwards. Nevertheless, pipe producers note that purchase volumes are still moderate, and small discounts continue to be available in negotiations for larger tonnages despite the generally firmer market tone.
Against this backdrop, domestic hollow section prices have increased week on week, with offers now reported at $650-660/mt ex-works, up from $640-650/mt ex-works previously.
Export prices have also followed the same upward direction, with most offers currently heard at $640-650/mt FOB, compared to $630-640/mt FOB a week earlier.
