Spot market prices within the US domestic API X-52 line pipe markets have softened on the top end since our last report a week ago, from $60-$63 cwt. ($1,323-$1,389/mt or $1,200-$1,260/nt), ex-mill, to $60-$62 cwt. ($1,323-$1,366/mt or $1,200-$1,240/nt), ex-mill, although sources close to SteelOrbis have indicated that deals below that range are available to volume buyers.
Market players say they are still taking a “wait and see” approach with regard to what will happen with Mexican X-52 line pipe pricing now that the Section 232 tariffs are being lifted. Although prices out of Mexico have largely mirrored US pricing in recent months, FOB Texas, it’s believed that they will resume selling at price points slightly below what domestic mills are selling at.
“I doubt they will slash prices to avoid hurting an already soft market, but I doubt they will turn away orders either,” a source said.