Pricing within the US domestic line pipe market is unchanged since our last report a week ago; pricing for API X-52 line pipe continues to be heard in the range of $67.50-$71.50 cwt. ($1,488-$1,576/mt or $1,350-$1,430/nt), ex-mill.
Offshore pricing is also stable; import API X-52 line pipe in the US domestic market from Taiwan and Korea is being heard in the range of $66-$68 cwt. ($1,455-$1,499/mt or $1,320-$1,360/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports.
Sources throughout the US say that in the current marketplace, “it’s all about adapting to change.” The sentiment holds true for both buyers and sellers, as some buyers have found themselves in a position where they’ve needed to pay more for pipe after it’s arrived, due to the Section 232 tariffs.
Others say that they question whether the current political turmoil that has engulfed the Trump administration may lead to a Section 232 reversal, especially if the Democratic party takes over Congress after the November mid-term elections. For now, sources say, the best they can do is watch and wait.