Both prices and demand for welded pipes in Turkey have remained unchanged over the past week. Local offers are still at $800-830/mt ex-works for March production, but many buyers do not believe prices have hit bottom yet and they foresee additional discounts for pipe prices are on the way because of the declines in the HRC prices seen since the end of January. "Demand is low and stocks are sufficient. We are following up hot rolled coil prices, but HRC prices are at $770-780/mt ex-works in Turkey. HRC offers were even higher for March production. Discounts mean great financial loss for pipe producers," one producer told SteelOrbis.
On the export side, demand has once again failed to recover because of Covid-19 restrictions. Prices have not changed since last week and are at $790-810/mt FOB.
** 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.