Last week, SteelOrbis reported that offer prices for Korean API X-52 line pipe in the US domestic market were trending in the approximate range of $40.50-$41.50 cwt. ($893-$915/mt or $810-$830/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports; this week, another source close to SteelOrbis said he’s being quoted $42.50-$43.75 cwt. ($937-$965/mt or $850-$875/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports.
A second source, however, said he’s still seeing quotes for API X-52 line pipe trending at last week’s reported range.
Demand is good, sources say, adding that there is still some reluctance to book offshore due to long lead times and extended delivery dates.
In terms of current import tonnages, the most recent data from the US Department of Commerce indicates that for the month of February, the US imported 133,343 mt (license data) of line pipe from global sources. The most significant offshore sources were Korea, at 45,048 mt, and India, at 39,483 mt.