Over the past week, 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 the export markets has remained unchanged at $600-640/mt FOB. However, according to market sources, buyers have continued to consider $630/mt and above price levels to be on the high side, no significant recovery has been observed in terms of demand for Turkish welded pipe in the export markets and Turkish exporters have continued to conclude deals for small tonnages.
According to the data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkey’s welded pipe exports in January this year decreased by 22 percent year on year, particularly since Romanian and Tunisian welded pipe importers significantly reduced their bookings as compared to previous months. In the coming weeks, if no significant acceleration of demand is observed in terms of demand, ex-Turkey welded pipe prices are expected to fluctuate in line with hot rolled coil (HRC) prices.