[Ferro-Alloys.com] Turkish pipe mill exports fell by 5.1% year on year to 1.42 million mt during the first three quarters of the year amid unfavorable market conditions in some of Turkey's main pipe export markets.

Exports to the US fell significantly in that period, amid the 25% Section 232 tariff.

Turkish pipe mills shipped 74,000 mt of steel pipe to the US in January-September, significantly less than the 151,000 mt exported in the same period the previous year. Most of the decrease was realized in Q3 as the first-half total was relatively flat at 57,000 mt.

Despite the US government's decision in mid-May to reduce the Section 232 tariff on Turkish steel back to 25% from 50%, it could be difficult for Turkish mills to reach their previous US market share, a Turkish pipe producer said.

The US was one of Turkey's largest pipe customers in previous years, importing around 200,000-250,000 mt every year before the Section 232 tariff was levied in 2018.

Turkish mills' pipe exports to Iraq rose by 10.3% on year to 139,000 mt during the period, despite the ongoing uncertainties in the region.

Belgium was another main export destination in Jan-Sep at 73,000 mt, while exports to Israel also totaled 73,000. Although exports to Germany fell more than half, this country was the other main export market for Turkish mills in the first three quarters of 2019, the latest data from the financial report of a Turkish pipe exporter showed. (S&G Global Platts)

• [Editor:kangmingfei]