US domestic line pipe spot prices have continued in their months-long sideways pricing trend. The most commonly reported transaction range is unchanged in the past week and is still at approximately $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill. SteelOrbis sources say this range is in no way firm, and mills are open and willing to negotiate deals with those who wanting to order significant tons.
Meanwhile, the expectation that a line pipe trade case is on the horizon continues to permeate the market, with many thinking the announcement could come within days of the OCTG final determinations being handed down. Current offshore offer prices from
Vietnam and
Taiwan, however, have held neutral since our last report a week ago. Prices from both countries are still 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, while prices from Korean mills are approximately ($33/mt or $30/nt) higher, although offshore activity is in no way robust.