Steel Pipe Price Trend Week of Jan 12: Chinese FOB Steady

Favorable factors:

1. Steel production is at a low level

Adverse factors:

1. Market demand is not good


In a word, it is expected that the Chinese FOB steel price in US dollar could be stable with a small fluctuation this week (2026.1.12-2026.1.16).

What This Means for Steel Pipe Buyers

For procurement teams planning orders this week, the stay largely stable outlook suggests a stable window for placing bookings. Cost support from raw materials means mills are unlikely to concede much on quoted prices, while weak end-user demand keeps sellers motivated to negotiate on volume orders.

Segment Overview

  • Welded pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW): Strip steel costs continue to anchor mill quotes. Buyers with flexible delivery windows can still secure favorable terms on bulk volumes. See our ERW steel pipe range for current specifications.
  • Seamless pipe: Billet availability and energy costs remain the main pricing levers. Lead times are holding at normal levels for standard sizes. Browse seamless steel pipe options.
  • Coated pipe: Coating material costs (zinc, PE/PP powders) add a modest premium this week. For projects with corrosion requirements, compare galvanized steel pipe and 3PE coated pipe options.

Procurement Tips for This Week

  • Lock in prices for near-term shipments while the market moves moderately.
  • Confirm specifications and standards (API 5L, ASTM A53, EN 10219) before quoting to avoid re-price risk.
  • For large projects, request a validity period of at least 7-10 days on quotations.

Need an updated quotation based on this week’s market? Contact our sales team for a same-day offer on ERW, seamless, and coated steel pipes.