Demand for welded pipes in Iran has remained scarce amid slow construction activity in the country. However, most Iranian welded pipe producers have increased their domestic prices by around IRR 550-790/mt ($20-25/mt) over the past month amid rising import prices for flat steel products. Meanwhile, market participants prefer to maintain a wait-and-see stance against the backdrop of the political and economic instability in the country. Market players believe the lack of demand will not allow prices change significantly in the coming period.
Iranian producers' current domestic prices for 6"-14" welded pipes of grade B made to ASTM are at $660-700/mt (IRR 20,790-22,050/mt) ex-works. Prices are exclusive of five percent VAT.
Chinese welded pipes, 2"-8" grade B made to ASTM A53/API 5L, are currently being offered to the Iranian market at $700-750/mt CFR, compared to $700-730/mt CFR one month ago.
$1 = IRR 31.5 interbank exchange rate
$1 = IRR 24.4 official exchange rate