Over the past week, demand for Turkish welded pipe in the export markets has remained slack due to the approach of the Christmas holiday and since the quota for imported welded pipe in Europe has almost been exhausted. 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 has decreased by $5/mt on the upper end week on week to $590-605/mt FOB. However, $5-10/mt discounts on the upper end of the price range are also possible as a result of negotiations.
According to market sources, some buyers are willing to purchase small tonnages of Turkish welded pipe, though no large-volume export deals have been concluded over the past week. While Turkish exporters are heard to have concluded deals to the Middle East and North Africa in the given week, European buyers have started to withdraw from the market. European buyers, who are actually interested in purchasing Turkish welded pipe, are refraining from concluding deals for Turkish material due to the import quota or else they are looking for shipments in 2019. As a result, Turkish welded pipe producers’ inventories have increased and this situation is exerting pressure on their prices.