In the last couple days, the majority of US domestic hollow structural sections (HSS) mills have sent letters to customers indicating a $2.50 cwt. ($55/mt or $50/nt) price increase.
Atlas Tube led the charge, raising prices on all HSS shapes up through 12 sq (square and equivalent rectangles) and HSS rounds up to 20 inches in outside diameter. Atlas said that orders already on the books would be price protected through April 1 shipments.
Maruichi Leavitt Pipe & Tube said will increase prices by a minimum of $2.50 cwt. The increase applies to all products and size ranges. All orders placed and confirmed prior to March 5 will be price protected for shipments through April 1, 2013. Any unconfirmed quotes or contracts are subject to this increase.
American Tube Manufacturing Inc., Southland Tube Inc. and Welded Tube of Canada Ltd. all issued similar price increase letters to customers.
The move is deemed to be a direct response to domestic flat rolled mills' $2.50 cwt. price increase early last week.