US domestic pipe mills have been pushing for at least part of their mid-November announced $2.50 cwt. ($55/mt or $50/nt) increase over the last couple weeks. While the full increase has not been absorbed, domestic A-53 electric resistance welded (ERW) black plain end (BPE) Grade A standard pipe spot prices have firmed by about $0.50 cwt. ($11/mt or $10/nt) in the last two weeks to $47.00-$48.00 cwt. ($1,036-$1,058/mt or $940-$960/nt) ex-Midwest mill. Sources tell SteelOrbis that mills will become more aggressive with the increase come January, considering the domestic flats market's strong uptrend so far in December, and will possibly issue another increase early next year in an attempt to spur buying activity.
Certain import offer prices to the US have also started to increase, and Korean A-53 ERW BPE Grade A standard pipe prices in the US are up $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) from early December to $46.00-$47.00 cwt. ($1,014-$1,036/mt or $920-$940/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports. Turkish offer prices to the US have not moved and can still be found between $46.00-$46.50 cwt. ($1,014-$1,025/mt or $920-$930/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports. There isn't much futures buying activity currently taking place, according to buyer sources, who have informed SteelOrbis that there are still on-the-ground imports being sold off with tags about $1.00-$1.50 cwt. ($22-$33/mt or $20-$30/nt) below current import offer prices.