Previously heard rumblings about a potential trade case for import API X-42 electric resistance weld (ERW) line pipe has grown louder in the past week. The new expectation that if the anti dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) case against offshore importers of J55 electric resistance weld (ERW) oil country
tubular goods (OCTG) casing is successful, a line pipe case will be sure to follow. For now, it’s a wait and see. In terms of prices, offshore offers from Vietnamese and Taiwanese mills are unchanged in the past week, still at $38.00-$39.00 cwt. ($838-$860/mt or $760-$780/nt), DDP loaded truck in
US Gulf coast ports. Trader sources have confirmed that Korean offers are also still available, but are coming in at approximately $3.00 cwt. ($33/mt or $30/nt) higher than their Taiwanese and Vietnamese counterparts.
Meanwhile,
US domestic line pipe spot prices are on par with levels reported one week ago. The most commonly reported range is still at $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill. Lead times are still lingering between three and four weeks, according to service center sources, who say deals can be negotiated by those who are wanting to book larger tonnages.