According to the most recent data from the US Department of Commerce, Enforcement and Compliance, US import line pipe tonnages from global sources in May 2016 have been calculated at 82,177 mt (preliminary census data), which is a stark falloff from May 2015, when US import line pipe tonnages were recorded at 217,015 mt.
Sources close to SteelOrbis continue to report that while line pipe is moving “slightly better than OCTG casing,” the overall temperature of the market remains tepid.
In terms of current pricing, US domestic spot market prices for API X-42 ERW line pipe are still being heard in the approximate range of $40.00-$42.00 cwt. ($882-$926/mt or $800-$840/nt), ex-Midwest mill.
Trader sources continue to report hearing futures offer prices from Korean producers at approximately $26.50-$27.50 cwt. ($584-$606/mt or $530-$550/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports.