Prices for welded pipes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have increased slightly because of costlier hot rolled coil and improving pipe demand. Prices for locally produced welded pipes have increased by a minimum of $30/mt over the past month. Import offers of Chinese welded pipes have remained unchanged. At the same time, Indian suppliers have decreased their pipe quotations by $80-100/mt during the past month in order to be competitive in the market. Further rises in HRC costs may entail further price increases for locally produced welded pipes. Demand for welded pipes is expected to pick up somewhat in the coming months due to the number of infrastructure and transport projects in the country.
Domestic prices for locally produced 1"-4" welded pipes with 2-4 mm wall thickness grade B made to ASTM A53 or BS 1387 are at about $770-810/mt ex-works, while ½"-¾" pipe sizes with 1.8-2.0 mm wall thickness are at $800-860/mt ex-works. Prices are given on actual weight basis.
Offers of Chinese ERW pipes up to 10" grade B as per ASTM A53/API 5L are being given to the UAE market at the previous level, i.e., at $800-850/mt C&F.
Indian suppliers are offering ERW pipes 1"- 6" as per BS 1387 (light series) at $750-800/mt C&F, compared to $830-900/mt one month ago.