After the Trump administration revoked Section 232 tariff exemptions for Canada, Mexico and the EU last week, effectively pricing most imports out of the market, US domestic line pipe mills have responded by raising their own prices. Sources tell SteelOrbis that US domestic API X-52 line pipe prices have surged by approximately $3.75 cwt. ($83/mt or $75/nt) since last week, bringing spot prices into the range of $71.25-$73.75 cwt. ($1571-$1626/mt or $1425-1475/nt) ex-mill.
Additionally, US domestic line pipe prices are expected to increase further if US domestic flats mills announce price increases for HRC, which many sources speculate will happen in the near-term.
As for imports, Mexico—which was among the top three suppliers of US import line pipe in May, according to US import permit data—is “about to price themselves out of the market,” sources say, with current offers around $72.50 cwt. ($1598/mt or $1450/nt) FOB Houston.