(by Kurt Minnich, www.pipe-logix.com) Line pipe prices decreased 4.2% in April with domestic prices down 4.6% and import prices down 3.8%. Every item tracked in the Pipe Logix index declined in April. Prices for large diameter items decreased more than prices for smaller diameter items and ERW prices decreased more than seamless prices. Beginning in this month’s report, some items have been grouped together by size as these items commonly price the same on a $/ton basis. The changes have a minimal change to the index. Also, we have added some X65 items to the survey this month and have included the results in this report but have not incorporated X65 into the overall Pipe Logix index. Distributor sentiment decreased further with the NASPD Index scoring 28 in April compared to 39 the previous month and 55 in February. Four of the seven components scored less than 25, indicating a strongly contracting market. Reported line pipe shipments over the trailing twelve months are down 31% compared to the previous period with a marked decrease in domestic and import volumes. Shipments dipped in February to 84,100 tons and are expected to have bounced back to 130,000 tons in March, though this is less than half the total in March a year ago. The rig count is down 44% from a year ago with oil prices below $20/bbl in April and natural gas below $1.8/mmbtu. The details are in the report.
Pipe Logix Line Pipe Report – Apr 2020
Pipe Exchange
14025 West Road
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77041
- Phone: 713.934.9480
- Fax: 713.934.9490
- Email: sales@pipexch.com