Players within the
US domestic API X-42 line pipe market say things have continued to truck along in the past seven days, as average spot prices, lead times and order activity is on par with where they were last week. The most commonly reported spot price range is still at $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill, although many are hopeful the recent Keystone XL pipeline endorsements from Warren Buffett and former secretary of state George P. Shultz will help spark a fire under the seats of those charged with getting the project off the ground. Although a spokesperson for Secretary of State John Kerry said the administration is hopeful the decision will come before 2017, Canadian officials are asking for a decision to be made in time to break ground during this year’s construction season.
Meanwhile, import line pipe peddlers continue to offer in ranges on par with where they were a week ago. That having been said, Taiwanese and Vietnamese prices continue to be reported in the approximate range of $38.50-$39.50 cwt. ($849-$871/mt or $770-$790/nt) DDP loaded truck
US Gulf coast ports, and Korean offers continue to come in about $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) higher. Interest in stocking futures, however, has remained weak.