(by Kurt Minnich, www.pipe-logix.com) Line pipe prices increased $43/ton or 2.2% in May with prices for domestic items up 1.3% and prices for import items up 3.5%. This marks the seventh month of consecutive increases in the Pipe Logix Index, which has a cumulative gain of 27% since October 2017. Distributor’s sentiment remains strong with the NASPD Index at 74, indicating a strongly expanding market, for the 3rd consecutive month. Components to this index changed from the previous month as the positive impact of lower inventory and expectations for higher prices were offset by reduced new orders and shorter order fulfillment time. Reported import volumes in March were unchanged from February but preliminary numbers show April import volumes jumped 88% to 278,000 tons, which is on par with the volumes witnessed in September 2017. Drilling activity continues to increase with the Baker Hughes rig count averaging 1,046 active rigs in May, up 17% from a year ago.
Pipe Logix Line Pipe Report – MAY 2018
Pipe Exchange
14025 West Road
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77041
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