Last week, some sources close to SteelOrbis indicated that import spot market prices for API X-52 line pipe were soft, and in some cases, trending as low as $45.00-$48.00 cwt. ($992-$1,058/mt or $900-$960/nt) ex-warehouse. Today, sources are indicating that while import prices from Korea are still being heard in that range (DDP loaded truck, US Gulf coast ports), US domestic prices are faring slightly better, and are being heard in the range of $50.00-$52.50 cwt. ($1,102-$1,157/mt or $1,000-$1,050/nt), ex-mill.
“The market is all over the place,” a source said. “It’s been a slow month for us. I think we’re all just waiting for the market to turn around and for the rig count to show some meaningful recovery.”