The most commonly heard spot price transaction range for US domestic hollow structural sections (HSS) tubing continues to trend at $46.50-$48.50 cwt. ($1025-$1069/mt or $930-$970/nt), ex-mill, but sources close to SteelOrbis say the upcoming price trend will be largely tied to the findings in the Section 232 case.
“There is uncertainty about exactly how the 232 cases will play out. The tube mills are saying there will be an increase but there is a lot of skepticism as to whether an increase will stick,” a source said. “Demand has been lackluster. Without 232 they are on shaky ground. Caution is the order of the day.”
The findings in the Section 232 case, which could potentially impose high tariffs on US import steel products, are expected to be released by July 7.