US standard pipe prices hold steady, for now

A price increase for US domestic A-53 electric resistance welded (ERW) black plain end (BPE) Grade A standard pipe has not yet materialized, but it’s still believed domestic producers may try to roll something out after the first of the year.  US domestic hot rolled coil (HRC) prices have stabilized in the past few weeks, although sluggish buying activity spawned by overseas interest and the ongoing holiday season has some questioning whether current spot prices will hold.  If HRC producers are able to stand their ground, standard pipe mills are likely to push for higher prices. For now, the most commonly heard spot transaction range has held in the range of $45.00-$46.00 cwt. ($992-$1,014/mt or $900-$920/nt) ex-Midwest mill, reflecting no change in the past two weeks.

Meanwhile, US standard pipe import tonnages for the month of November seem to have picked up after an October dip of approximately 27,000 mt (license data) from levels seen in September (census data).  Reported data as of December 3 from the US Import Administration Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System (SIMA) shows the total import tonnages last month increased by nearly 7,500 mt (license data) to 45,188 mt, with the US’ largest offshore sources being China and Vietnam, at 4,850 mt and 4,080 mt (license data), respectfully.  In terms of import prices, Vietnamese and Korean standard pipe prices are still in the approximate range of $39.50-$40.50 cwt. ($871-$893/mt or $790-$810/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf Coast ports.  As in previous weeks, long lead times seem to be the biggest hindrance when it comes to booking offshore.