Notwithstanding the recent negative trends in the hot rolled coil (HRC) and demand segments, Turkish pipe makers have decided to keep prices stable at the same levels as in previous weeks. Meanwhile, the market scenario has remained unsettled since the upcoming elections and holiday create uncertainty for economic and business activities.
As a result, over the past week domestic hollow section prices have remained stable at $750-800/mt ex-works from the previous week. However, some pipe makers have decided to offer higher than the workable levels at around $850/mt ex-works.
“The market is now quite confused and prices vary. Our price range averages at $850/mt ex-works. Obviously, the average market price is lower, but we are still able to sell to our regular customers at these levels,” a pipe maker told SteelOrbis.
Similar stability has been observed in the export market, with the majority of pipe companies offering the same prices as last week while stressing that demand is slower than in the domestic market. According to market players' reports, this week's offers have settled at around $780-830/mt FOB, remaining stable.