Two weeks ago, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced it would launch an investigation into circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe imports from offshore producers in five countries. The US DOC said they would investigate dumping by Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, UAE, and Vietnam; a subsidy investigation against Pakistan would also take place. November 25 data from the US DOC indicates that US import tons of standard pipe (preliminary census data) from the named countries during the month of October are as follows: Oman, 121.7 mt; Pakistan, 1326 mt, Philippines, 152.4 mt, UAE, 6,978 mt, and Vietnam, at 8,205 mt.
Sources close to SteelOrbis continue to report lackluster market activity, noting that order activity and inquiries are trending slow. In terms of pricing, the most commonly reported ex-mill spot price transaction range continues to hold at approximately $42.50-$43.50 cwt. ($937-$959/mt or $850-$870/nt), ex-Midwest mill. Looking offshore, futures offers from Turkish producers have also remained lateral, at approximately $29.00-$30.00 cwt. ($639-$662/mt or $580-$600/nt), DDP loaded truck in US Gulf coast ports, although as with our last report, trader sources feel that deals could be negotiated based on tons.