In late January, Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK), one of the leaders in the field of production of pipes for the oil and gas industry, highlighted the results for the IV quarter and 2014 as a whole. Last year, the company shipped to consumers 4377 ths. Tons of steel pipes. This figure exceeds the 2013 results by 1.5%. Indicators of the fourth quarter improved to 10.4% compared to the third quarter of 2014, amounting to 1 218 thousand. Tonnes.
Shipment seamless production increased by 3.8% to reach 2541 thousand. Tonnes, which exceeds the results of 2013 by 3.8%. In the fourth quarter it was shipped 11.5% more than in the third quarter — the results reached 693 thousand tons… Volumes shipped welded products decreased by 1.5% in the past year with respect to the results of 2013, amounting to 1 836 thousand. Tonnes. At the same time the fourth quarter results show an increase in shipments of 8.9% compared to the third quarter to the level of 525 thous. Tons.
Volumes shipped main products TMK — of OCTG pipes — totaled 1937 tonnes… This figure exceeds the 2013 results by 5.5%. Shipment of this type of product in the previous year exceeds IVkvartale results IIIkvartala by 16.4%, amounting to 519 thous. Tons. Volumes shipped thread premium connections increased by 15.2% in the past year with respect to performance in 2013, which amounted to 892 thousand. Pieces. At the same time indicators of the quaternary quarter remained almost at the level of the results of the third quarter and amounted to 243 thousand. Pieces.
On the whole, 2014 was not very successful for the European producers of pipe products. The main influence factors in the last year has been a decline in demand for pipe and excess capacity. As a result, market competition has become more fierce with a significant reduction in the cost of production. The main objective of the European consumer tubular products was the preservation of the minimum required reserves level. In the fourth quarter of last year, the situation deteriorated further in the European pipe market, which had a significant impact the crisis in Ukraine. A significant part of the European companies, previously supplying products to Russia, to adjust to the European market. Manufacturers in Ukraine have also increased sales to the EU, given the significant reduction in demand from local consumers in recent years.