Where is the bottom for US import line pipe prices?

Wednesday, 03 July 2013 23:57:54 (GMT+3)   |   San Diego
       

Previously reported outlier deals for import API X-42 electric resistance welded (ERW) line pipe have become the new normal. Import offer prices from Vietnam have dipped by about $1.25 cwt. ($28/mt or $25/nt) in the past week whereas prices from Korea and Taiwan have come down by about $1.75 cwt. ($39/mt or $35/mt). Now, import sales prices in the US from all three countries are in the range of  $40.50-$41.50 cwt. ($893-$915/mt or $810-$830/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports. Even so, deals slightly below this range are available for those looking to book larger tonnages. In addition, trader sources have said that with prices dropping to a new low this week, a possible trade case could be just around the corner, especially as US pipe mills just filed AD/CVD petitions against OCTG imports Tuesday.

Meanwhile, average spot prices for US domestic API X-42 ERW line pipe are still generally in the range of  $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill, but that range is in no way firm. Industry insiders continue to report that deals as much as $3.00-$5.00 cwt. ($66-$110/mt or $60-$100/nt) below the above range are available for buyers looking to book significant tonnages. Distributor sources have said that inquiries have increased--a positive sign--but order activity has held steady and lead times continue to hold at about four weeks.


Similar articles

Chinese steel pipe export offer prices edge down slightly

27 Mar | Tube and Pipe

US HSS prices revise downward yet again due to soft HRC prices

25 Mar | Tube and Pipe

US structural pipe and tube exports down 41.7 percent in January

22 Mar | Steel News

Chinese steel pipe export offer prices fluctuate within limited range

20 Mar | Tube and Pipe

US structural pipe and tube imports up 13.6 percent in January

19 Mar | Steel News

US mechanical tubing imports up 17.6 percent in January

18 Mar | Steel News

Chinese steel pipe export offer prices move down further

13 Mar | Tube and Pipe

US HSS prices

12 Mar | Tube and Pipe

US HSS prices steady after last week’s drop

07 Mar | Tube and Pipe

Finished US domestic J55 ERW OCTG casing spot market price range

06 Mar | Tube and Pipe