Demand remains strong for forged steel fittings as WTI Crude sits at $71.55 per barrel. Additionally, dumping and steel tariffs have limited foreign supply into the United States. Raw material increases and strong demand have driven pricing upwards. Disruption in the market could cause inventory shortages throughout 2018.

The pricing for carbon steel BW fittings and flanges remains strong. There have been multiple price increases and lead times have grown. Discussion is heavily focused on the final outcome of the Section 232 tariffs that are a moving target. Additionally, the multiple anti-dumping and countervailing suits that were filed have had an impact on prices. There is discussion that some of the buying is strategic vs. demand-driven with worries of shortages and longer lead times.
 

The American Supply Association (ASA) and its Industrial Piping Division (IPD) is the national organization serving wholesaler-distributors and their suppliers in the industrial and mechanical pipe-valve-fitting industry.  As a powerful alliance of channel partners, we provide a forum for your upstream trading partners to exchange critical information and address key issues.

In particular, ASA’s IPD members constantly check the pulse of the materials and commodities they proudly supply to you.  ASA’s IPD members are knowledgeable industry leaders, and those who volunteer their service on the IPD Executive Council compile and prepare the IPD Commodity Reports.  The Reports contain some of the most current and qualified market data and information available from the industry’s leading manufacturers and distributors about emerging trends and other price-influencing actions and events.

This information is an example of how ASA’s IPD manufacturer and distributor members are constantly looking ahead to ensure you have information and resources you need to be successful.  Learn more at www.AdvanceYourAbility.com.