Pricing for import API X-52 line pipe to the US from Mexico has dropped significantly since our last report a week ago. Throughout the month of January, prices had been trending in the range of $50-$54 cwt. ($1102-$1191/mt or $1000-$1080/nt), FOB Houston. Today, however, pricing is now being heard at $47-$48 cwt. ($1036-$1058/mt or $940-$960/nt), FOB Houston.
Meanwhile, pricing for API X-52 line pipe in the US domestic market from Taiwan is trending stable, still heard at $41.50-$42.50 cwt. ($915-$937/mt or $830-$850/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports.
Buyers and sellers of energy pipe say they’re still keeping tabs on the Trump administration’s proposal to open up waters along the nation’s coastlines to oil and gas drilling projects. Although some states, such as Florida, are seeking exemptions, it’s still unclear when and how quickly possible state-approved oil and gas exploration projects could get off the ground.