(by Kurt Minnich, www.pipe-logix.com) Line pipe prices were down 1.5% in May with domestic prices down 1.5% and import prices down 1.4%. ERW prices were particularly lower. Domestic ERW prices were down 2.8% and import ERW prices were down 2.5%. This marks the 10th month of consecutive declines in the Pipe Logix Index for a cumulative decline of $256/ton or 13% since July 2018. Distributor’s sentiment fell further in May, indicating a deeply contracting market with the NASPD Index at a score of 31. All of the components to the NASPD Index were lower except import volumes, which increased (indicating reduced import volumes expected in the coming period). Actual import volumes have averaged 204,000 tons over the trailing 12 months, which is up 7% over the previous 12 month period. April import volumes are estimated to have been slightly lower at 186,000 tons. The rig count is down 8% from the peak in December. Hot rolled coil prices have fallen back to 2017 levels.
Pipe Logix Line Pipe Report – May 2019
Pipe Exchange
14025 West Road
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77041
- Phone: 713.934.9480
- Fax: 713.934.9490
- Email: sales@pipexch.com