US DOC releases reference prices for HR products from Russia

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has released its first quarter 2007 reference prices for hot rolled steel products imported from Russia under the scope of the suspension agreement between the two sides. The prices are valid for the period January 1, 2007, through March 31, 2007. The first quarter 2007 reference price for commercial and structural quality steel products (A36; A1011-CS; A1011-SS-Grades 30, 33, 36, 40; A1018-SS-Grades 30, 33, 30, 40; and API 5L Grades A and B) is $434.62/mt. The fourth quarter 2006 reference price was $395.11/mt. The first quarter 2007 reference price for HSLA & HSLA-F quality steel grades (A752; A1011-HSLAS; A1018-HSLAS; A1011-HSLAS-F; A1018-HSLAS-F; API 5L Grades X42, X46, X52, X56, X60; and API 5CT Grades J55 and K55) is $477.20/mt. The fourth quarter 2006 reference price for these products was $433.82/mt. The first quarter 2007 reference price for high grade coils and sheets for pipes and casings (API 5L Grades X65, X70, X80) is $554.80/mt. The fourth quarter 2006 reference price for these products was $504.36/mt.