Transaction activity for Chinese steel pipe exports has remained slow over the past two weeks, while prices from most Chinese exporters have followed a flat trend. It is difficult to foresee when the market will recover as so far there is no solid evidence pointing towards a recovery. Chinese steel pipe exporters are pessimistic as regards the prospects for an improvement in the market in the short term. Export offers of Chinese steel pipes are likely to remain depressed due to low demand levels.
Current export quotations from most Chinese manufacturers for 2"-6" Sch40/Sch 80 seamless pipes of steel grade B according to ASTM A106/API 5L are on average at $420-460/mt FOB.
Current export prices of 2"-6" welded pipes of grade B according to ASTM A53/API 5L from Chinese mills are at around $380-395/mt FOB.