Upticks in demand, raw materials costs and flat rolled steel prices have helped boost
US domestic Grade A ERW BPE standard pipe prices. In late February, SteelOrbis reported that prices were trending at $46.50-$47.50 ($1025-$1047/mt or $930-$950/nt), ex-Midwest mill, with sources citing a strong belief that prices would soon revise upward."
Since that time prices have firmed by $0.50 cwt. ($11/mt or $10/nt) on the bottom end, and by $1.50 cwt. ($33/mt or $30/nt) on the top end, which brings the current spot market transaction range to $47-$49 cwt. ($1036-$1080/mt or $940-$980/nt), ex-mill.
Many sources close to SteelOrbis say they expect that prices will continue to move upward due to notable upticks in the
US domestic scrap market, and a belief that
US domestic flat rolled steel mills will soon push for another price increase.
“Demand is good and the overall market, as a whole, is good,” one source said. “It’s a nice change from where we were this time last year.”
In a year-on-year price comparison, SteelOrbis reported in early March 2016 that the most commonly reported spot price transaction range for
US domestic Grade A ERW BPE standard pipe was being heard at $42.50-$43.50 cwt. ($937-$959/mt or $850-$870/nt), ex-Midwest mil.