February 2011 | Welded steel tube & pipe
HR coil prices stabilise: Europe, Middle East and Africa Market Analysis
The buying that we noted last month has acted to extend lead times to around 8 weeks from most tubular mills, with precision pipe even further out. Lower-priced March material is therefore sold out.
After a rapid run-up in pricing over December/January, HR coil prices have stabilised. Prices are now around €620/tonne ex-works from Riva in Italy at the bottom end of the range while closer to €640/tonne from integrated mills in northern Europe. Tubular mills paying quarterly prices are likely to have to pay in the region of this for their Q2 material, which will be an increase from their Q1 level. However, we are cautious on further HR coil price gains. Flat rolled imports are increasing, while supply has also moved higher as mills bring back some furnaces. While input pricing for steel mills in terms of iron ore and coal will increase for Q2 deliveries to them, this is now largely in the steel price. With scrap prices off peaks and
Lead times pushed out
The buying that we noted last month has acted to extend...
ACCESS RESTRICTED
You must be a paid subscriber to view the full content.
Content over 60 days old can only be accessed by subscribers.
Call +44(0)20 7779 8000 with your credit card details or subscribe online.
SUBSCRIBE
Receive unlimited access to all current and archive content going back to 2008 including downloadable pricing data and forecasts. Plus download the latest issue as soon as it’s published.
Subscribe