Import prices for A-53 electric resistance welded (ERW) black plain end (BPE) Grade A standard pipe from Korea and the Philippines have trended sideways in the past two weeks--prices have been stable following a $2.00 cwt. ($44/mt or $40/nt) decline during the first week of June. The most commonly reported sales price range in the US from the Philippines has remained at $40.25-$41.25 ($887-909/mt or $805-$825/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf Coast ports, whereas the average sales price range in the US from Korea has held at approximately $39.50-$40.50 cwt. ($871-$893/mt or $790-$810/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports. Trader sources, though, have said they are only placing orders on an as-needed basis.
Meanwhile, at least two US producers, Wheatland Tube and EXLTUBE, have announced a $2.50 cwt. ($55/mt or $50/nt) increase on Grade B standard pipe. Although an announcement for A-53 ERW BPE Grade A standard pipe has not yet been made, the expectation is that it is right around the corner. Industry insiders have said that the increase on pipe is not based on demand but relates directly to three rounds of increases on US domestic hot rolled coil (HRC) in the past six weeks. For now, US domestic prices remain on par with where they were two weeks ago, and the average spot price range for A-53 ERW BPE Grade A standard pipe is $45.00-$46.00 cwt. ($992-$1,014/mt or $900-$920/nt) ex-Midwest mill. At the same time, lower-priced deals continue to be available for those interested in placing larger orders.