As demand has weakened and hot rolled coil (HRC) prices have started to decrease in Turkey, local pipe makers have reduced their offer levels by $30/mt over the past week. “It is normal that we have lower demand now because we sold so many materials in recent weeks and stocks are sufficient for buyers now. Producers have orders until the end of August. The market situation is not bad but, after the latest price decrease in hot rolled coils(HRC) prices, buyers have also insisted on discounts in welded pipe prices," a producer told SteelOrbis. Currently, the majority of local offers are at $480-510/mt ex-works, while some consider the level of $470/mt ex-works workable.
On the export side, prices have moved down also by $30/mt, to $470-490/mt FOB, while demand has remained low.
** Prices are given for ERW pipes and hollow sections with 2-4 mm wall thickness made from HRC of S235 grade as per EN 10219, on theoretical weight basis.