The trend for US domestic API X-42 prices has softened in the past two weeks, as the previous and long-standing average spot price range of $54.00-$55.00 cwt. ($1,191-$1,212/mt or $1,080-$1,100/nt) ex-Midwest mill is a thing of the past for all but the smallest orders. For medium to large-sized customers and orders, sources have said they’re hearing more and more deals that are taking place in the $49.00-$50.00 cwt. ($1,080-$1,102/mt or $980-$1,000/nt) ex-mill range. Other sources have confided to SteelOrbis that some line pipe producers are offering API X-42 even lower, close to import pricing levels. While such transactions are not widespread enough to justify a marked adjustment in the US spot range, it could be an indication that some domestic producers are willing to go to extreme lengths to make a dent in the overall-lackluster US domestic pipe market.
Meanwhile, offshore line pipe mills from Vietnam and Taiwan may still be offering in the same ranges reported one week ago, but those price points are also quite flexible. Although the previously reported spot price ranges span at approximately $38.50-$39.50 cwt. ($849-$871/mt or $770-$790/nt) DDP loaded truck US Gulf coast ports, sources say that anyone who is interested in booking a few thousand tons or more could easily negotiate a better rate.