Although no significant decline has been observed in hot rolled coil (HRC) prices, ex-Turkey welded pipe prices have decreased as a result of the pressure from buyers. Accordingly, Turkish producers’ offer range for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from HRC of S235 grade as per EN 10219 has decreased to $580-600/mt FOB.
Although the European Commission indicated its intention to terminate the antidumping duty investigation on hollow section imports from Turkey, Macedonia and Russia, no official announcement has yet been made. As a result, European buyers are still cautious about making new bookings and are now slower to respond to Turkish suppliers’ offers. In addition, buyers in the Middle East have slowed down their purchases due to Ramadan and demand for welded pipe in the global market is generally weak. Under these market conditions, Turkish welded pipe suppliers are open to concluding deals at prices below $580/mt FOB for buyers who are willing to conclude bookings for large tonnages.