Chatter about a potential trade case for import API X-42 electric resistance weld (ERW) line pipe is continuing to grow louder, with many believing an announcement could be made after the pending OCTG case concludes next month. Offshore offers continue to be competitive, with Vietnamese and Taiwanese mills still offering in the approximate range of $38.00-$39.00 cwt. ($838-$860/mt or $760-$780/nt), DDP loaded truck in
US Gulf coast ports. Korean offers are also still available at about $3.00 cwt. ($33/mt or $30/nt) above that range, but SteelOrbis sources say that all of this pricing is flexible based on the size and scope of the order.
Meanwhile, spot prices within the
US domestic line pipe market are also unchanged in the past seven days and are still lingering in the range of $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill. Lead times are still quite short, according to service center sources, and demand is not yet on par with capacity. That having been said, anyone who is interested in booking a larger-sized order could easily negotiate a better price.