The demand for welded pipes in the Turkish market remains quiet. Domestic quotations of locally produced welded pipes continue to decrease, dropping by $20/mt over the past two weeks. Export prices of Turkish welded pipes have declined by $10-20/mt during the same period and the level of buyer activity from foreign customers is still low. Nevertheless, some European consumers have started to show interest in Turkish welded pipes due to the increase in welded pipe prices in Europe. However, currently Turkish pipe mills are very cautious as regards giving any quotations because of the unclear situation regarding flat product prices. Due to the expectation of a slackening of coil prices in the local market and given the weak levels of demand, pipe traders believe that the downward trend of welded pipe prices will be maintained in the coming weeks.
Export prices of Turkish ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-6 mm wall thickness made from HRC are at the level of $610-660/mt FOB. Export offers of ERW pipes and hollow sections of 1.5 mm wall thickness made to ASTM A500 are at around $710-720/mt FOB. Water and gas ERW pipes of 2.0-4.5 mm wall thickness made to EN 10255/DIN 2440 from S235 grade HR products are being offered for export at $640-660/mt FOB.
Domestic quotations of ERW pipes and hollow sections of 2-6 mm wall thickness made from HRC are at the level of $600-610/mt ex-works, while ERW pipes of 1.5 mm wall thickness made from CRC are at the range of $740-770/mt ex-works. Water and gas ERW pipes of 2.0-4.5 mm wall thickness made to EN 10255/DIN 2440 from S235 grade HR products are being offered in the domestic market at $630-640/mt ex-works.