Sources close to SteelOrbis have indicated some increased activity within the US import J55 ERW OCTG market, although the activity has been limited to inquiries.
Pricing for import J55 ERW OCTG casing from Taiwan in the US domestic market continues to be heard at $41.00-$42.50 cwt. ($904-$937/mt or $820-$850/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports
“Demand is confusing because we’ve seen a rush of inquiries, but we haven’t seen any orders. We’re waiting for our customers to make some decisions,” a source said, adding that many within the US marketplace are awaiting certainty with regard to the Section 232 investigation.
The results of that investigation are scheduled to be released in mid-January. And while some within the steel industry feel strongly that the US should impose tariffs on imports, others feel that the implementation of tariffs would have a negative impact on US economic growth.