U.S. carbon steel pipe prices started decelerating from a peak in October and continued that trend through the end of the year. Despite this deceleration activity, they remain historically elevated and are currently still higher than they were a year ago.

Demand should remain steady through 2019, which should keep prices near historical highs for much of the year.

Upstream activity in the oil and gas sector remains strong. According to the Baker Hughes Rig Count for 01/11/19, the US experienced a 136-rig increase year-over-year; Canada was down by 92 wells over the last 12 months. The net difference is a change in North American rig counts of +44 Y/Y.

In the US, 121 of the ‘net new’ rigs were oil-based, 15 were gas.

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.