The status quo within the US domestic A-53 electric resistance welded (ERW) black plain end (BPE) Grade A standard pipe has not wavered in the past two weeks, and SteelOrbis sources say it’s just “more of the same.” Projects in the Midwest and Northeast have been hindered by ongoing blasts of cold weather, and order activity and inquiries have suffered as a result. And although the most commonly reported ex-mill spot price change has remained at approximately $45.00-$46.00 cwt. ($992-$1,014/mt or $900-$920/nt), that range can be quite flexible based on the tonnages a person is looking to book.
Meanwhile, offshore prices for A-53 electric resistance welded (ERW) black plain end (BPE) Grade A standard pipe from Vietnam have also trended sideways in the past two weeks, although trader sources say that range is also quite flexible. Although the most commonly heard transaction range has remained at approximately $39.50-$40.50 cwt. ($871-$893/mt or $790-$810/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf Coast ports, those wanting to book significant tonnages could easily negotiate a better price.