Continued rumors about the possibly-imminent line pipe do not seem to be having much of an impact on the
US domestic and import API X-42 electric resistance weld (ERW) line pipe markets in the past week, as orders, activity, inquiries and prices have remain on par with levels seen last week.
The most commonly reported spot price range from
US domestic producers has held at $51.00-$52.00 cwt. ($1,124-$1,146/mt or $1,020-$1,040/nt) ex-Midwest mill (although certain producers seem quite willing to negotiate with those who are open to booking significant tons), while futures prices from Vietnamese and Indian mills continue to trend at approximately $38.50-$39.50 cwt. ($849-$871/mt or $770-$790/nt) DDP loaded truck
US Gulf coast ports. Offers from Korean and Taiwanese mills have also trended lateral, at $40.00-$41.00 cwt. ($882-$904/mt or $800-$820/nt) DDP loaded truck
US Gulf coast ports. Sources close to SteelOrbis have said that although Vietnamese and Indian mills may be pushing to book tons at $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) above that range, with Korean and Taiwanese mills aiming for $1.00-$2.00 cwt. ($22-$44/mt or $20-$40/nt) higher, those increases aren’t being absorbed throughout the market. Trader sources have also said that everyone is still being cautious when it comes to making larger buys due to the trade case rumors, and are instead booking what they need on an as-needed basis.