Pricing for US domestic Grade A and Grade B standard pipe have slipped since our last report a month ago due to lackluster demand and soft HRC prices. In mid-September, prices for US domestic Grade B standard pipe were trending between $61.50-$64.00 cwt. ($1,356-$1,411/mt or $1,230-$1,280/nt), ex-mill; today, sources close to SteelOrbis have noted that prices are trending in the range of $59.00-$60.00 cwt. ($1,301-$1,323/mt or $1,180-$1,200/nt), ex-mill. Prices for Grade A standard pipe are trending $2.50 cwt. ($55/mt or $50/nt) below the Grade B range.
Sources close to SteelOrbis believe that standard pipe prices are likely to stabilize should US HRC prices remain level. Last week, US flats mills announced they would be raising prices on US HRC, which could prevent market prices from slipping further. So far, the announced price increase has not led to higher HRC prices.