Welded pipe prices in Turkey have again remained stable this week, although demand has weakened amid the general market uncertainty and exports being slow specifically as the quota for sales to the EU has been exhausted. However, Turkish pipe-makers refuse to provide discounts for now as the hot rolled coil (HRC) offers in the market have stabilized for now.
In the local market, April production welded pipes in Turkey are available at $530-545/mt ex-works, while for export the offer level is at $530-540/mt FOB. Buyers foresee Turkey will decrease its prices as political uncertainties and the falling currency rate may impact local business activity, in the Iskenderun region in particular. HRC prices, however, are expected to remain relatively stable for now, since the allocation ex-CIS will be limited for the coming couple of months, SteelOrbis understands.
** 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.