Market players within the
US domestic hollow structural section (HSS)
tubing markets say that order activity and inquiries continue to be stable, but many are concerned that a forecast downtrend within the
US domestic scrap market could spill over to other segments. HSS spot prices have been soft in recent months, and continued downticks have been challenging to those who have been trying to manage their inventory costs.
For now, though, the average spot price transaction range continues to hold at approximately $35.00-$36.00 cwt. ($772-$794/mt or $700-$720/nt), ex-Midwest mill; distribution and service center sources say they are tightly managing inventories and are only making purchases to fill gaps. Those who do need to buy have said they’ll hold off as long as they can to see if prices within the spot market soften yet again, as mills’ lower input costs are likely to place additional downward pricing pressure on
US HSS
tubing.