Turkey’s welded pipe export prices have increased in the current week in accordance with previous expectations. However, since steel mills cannot gain a clear perspective on their production costs due to the ongoing upward trend of raw material prices, they have struggled to determine new price levels. As a result, and also taking into account the low demand, they have settled on just a slight price rise on the lower end of their previous price range. Accordingly, Turkish producers’ offer range for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from hot rolled coil (HRC) of S235 grade as per EN 10219 to their export markets is now at $570-580/mt FOB.
Market sources also report that demand received from Europe by Turkish welded pipe exporters has accelerated following the new quota system imposed in the EU. However, both buyers and sellers are observed to be maintaining a relatively cautious stance as regards new deals for now.