Business activity has started to improve in the welded pipe market in Turkey to the benefit of local producers. Following the rise in import scrap prices, Turkish pipe mills have started to increase their offers as well, but the real support has come from the demand side. Last week, buyers’ interest in purchases recovered slightly as customers were eager to restock before prices got higher. Some pressure was exerted for discounts and deals were reported at $750/mt ex-works in the local market. However, this week mills have stopped giving discounts as they are sold out for March production. "Market sentiment is really positive at the moment, even though we have not seen any real increase in hot rolled coil prices. But everyone is sure prices will increase for HRC and other flat products and pipes. That is why buyers wanted to renew their stocks, but it is unfortunate that some companies gave big discounts to sell their March production. Many found it unnecessary. On the other hand, HRC prices did not increase and the market outlook was not positive last week as it is now," a producer told SteelOrbis. Local Turkish welded pipe prices are at $800-830/mt ex-works for March-April production, increasing by $20/mt since last week.
On the export side, demand has failed to recover once again, but prices have also increased by $20/mt to $790-810/mt FOB for the export markets since last week.
** 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.