Steel tube producers set $50/ton increase on HSS products

Dec 10, 2009 | 10:29 AM | Maria Guzzo

Several structural pipe producers have implemented a $50-per-ton increase on their hollow structural sections (HSS), and one said there may be more to come in January.

Atlas Tube Inc., Chicago, whose price increase letter to customers was dated Dec. 9, the earliest of all the correspondence, said cost increases for the flat-rolled material it uses to make tubulars are prompting the hike and a second potential increase next month.

"This price increase on HSS does not reflect the fully anticipated cost increases in the hot-rolled coil market," Randy Boswell, Atlas Tube's vice president of North American sales, said in a letter to customers. "Therefore, we expect to raise prices again in January."

Atlas said the recent rise in raw material costs necessitated the hike on HSS products, which was effective with all new orders received after 5 p.m. Dec. 9. It said its price hike would be $50 a ton, in both U.S. and Canadian dollars, for all HSS shapes up through 16 inches and rounds up through 20 inches in outside diameter. The increase will apply to unconfirmed quotes and contracts, although orders currently on the books will be price protected for shipments through Jan .8, the company said.....