In the local Turkish welded pipe market, prices have continued to increase due to higher scrap and hot rolled coil (HRC) price levels, while demand has started to decline because of seasonal conditions, as in the same period of previous years. Prices have increased by $20/mt to $750-780/mt ex-works since last week and producers are continuing to offer for January and February production. Despite the current levels of HRC prices at $750-765/mt ex-works, Turkish welded pipe producers have failed to increase their local prices by a larger amount because of lower demand. "Of course, welded pipe prices should be at higher levels, but if we insist on higher prices we also should give up on demand at the moment. Our priority is demand, as always," a producer told SteelOrbis. Prices have increased by 25 percent since the beginning of October for welded pipes, while HRC prices have risen by 40 percent in the same period.
On the export side, prices have increased by $20/mt week on week to $740-760/mt FOB, but demand has also started to decline due to the lockdown in Germany and the upcoming holiday season.
** 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.