In 2025, ASTM A333 Grade 6 low-temperature carbon steel pipe remains broadly priced between ~USD 550/ton (China factory/FOB for some large orders) and USD 1,500–2,000/ton (delivered levels in many export / regional markets) depending on origin, process (seamless vs welded), size and quantity. Global spot steel input movements, regional tariffs and logistics are the main drivers of variation; buying directly from a Chinese mill such as Luokaiwei typically gives the best factory-price point, quick delivery for stocked items, and flexible customization.
ASTM A333/A333M is the standard specification for seamless and welded carbon and alloy steel pipe intended for low-temperature service and other applications requiring notch toughness. Grade 6 is a common carbon-steel grade within that specification and is engineered to keep toughness at low temperatures (commonly used down to about −45 °C / −49 °F or lower depending on impact test requirements and the product form).
Key characteristic numbers you’ll often see quoted for Grade 6 pipe (typical, confirm with mill test certificate):
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Minimum yield ~ 240 MPa; minimum tensile ~ 415 MPa (varies slightly by supplier and heat treatment).
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Supplied as seamless or welded; pipe dimensions usually follow ASME/ANSI B36.10/B36.19 sizing.
Main applications that keep demand steady
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Cryogenic and refrigerated systems (LNG piping and tanks).
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Petrochemical and refinery low-temperature lines.
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Off-shore and marine low-temperature services (where notch toughness matters).
Because demand is concentrated in energy, petrochemical and marine projects, regional market moves in those sectors (and policies such as tariffs) create strong local price swings. Recent trade measures and market cycles in 2025 have amplified that effect.
Why price varies
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Seamless vs ERW/welded: seamless typically costs more.
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Size and wall thickness (schedule): larger OD / heavier wall = higher price/ton and different availability. (ASME B36.10 dimensions matter in quoting).
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Certification & testing: full MTC, PMI, impact testing, NDT, third-party inspection raise the landed cost.
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Steel feedstock (HRC) and mill margins: upstream coil/plate price swings in 2025 shifted tube/pipe offers.
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Logistics & tariffs: freight, insurance, port congestion, and regional tariffs alter delivered prices significantly. Recent tariff activity in mid-2025 pushed US landed prices higher vs imports.
2025 Global price comparison
Notes on the table: prices below are representative 2025 bands derived from seller listings, market commentary and import offers (range covers factory/FOB mid-volume prices up to delivered/retail distribution levels). Exact quote requires OD, schedule, length, quantity, finish and inspection scope. Sources are cited below the table.
| Region / Typical sourcing route | 2025 typical price (USD / metric ton) | Typical conditions & notes |
|---|---|---|
| China — mill/factory FOB (large lot, standard sizes) | $520 – $750 / t | Best factory price for welded & some seamless large-volume orders; fast dispatch on stock items. |
| India — domestic mills / traders | $650 – $950 / t | Domestic demand and local mill economics; quality comparable for many sizes. |
| Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia) — import/distributor | $1,100 – $1,450 / t | Distributor margins, inspection and shorter lead suppliers. |
| Middle East (UAE, Saudi) — distributors / project supply | $1,100 – $1,900 / t | Often higher due to project specifications, coating, packing, and logistics. |
| Europe (EU import / local mills) | $900 – $1,600 / t | Local mill premiums + strict QA/traceability increase landed cost. |
| USA — domestic (post-tariff) & import parity | $1,000 – $2,200 / t | Domestic prices buoyed by higher domestic mill offers and (in 2025) increased tariff pressure on imports. |
How to read the table: lower end = mill/FOB (China factory advantage). Higher end = small orders, distributor stocks, strict third-party inspection and delivery included, or regions where tariffs/logistics add cost.
Practical buyer tips to reduce total cost
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Buy validated mill MTCs: insist on full material test certificate and the specific impact-test temperature called out in order. This prevents surprises during project inspection.
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Specify welding & NDT scope clearly: filler-metalless welds (per A333) and who pays for post-weld NDT must be in the contract.
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Consolidate quantities: larger, consolidated orders unlock mill FOB pricing (China mills can push prices ≤ USD 600/t on volume).
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Consider seamless only where needed: if application permits, welded/ERW reduces cost. For severe cryogenic duty, seamless may still be required.
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Use local stocking distributors for urgent small lots: they’re pricier per ton but save time and often provide certified test reports quickly.
Inspection and quality control (what to demand)
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Mill MTC (3.1/3.2) cert with chemical & mechanical results.
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Impact test results at the required temperature called out in the purchase order (A333 often requires specific Charpy V-Notch testing).
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Hydrostatic test records and NDT (UT or RT) as agreed.
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Third-party inspection (BV, SGS, TUV) recommended for large or critical orders — this will add cost but reduces project risk.
Why choose Luokaiwei (what we offer)
Luokaiwei is a Chinese mill and exporter focused on pipe and tubular products. For buyers of ASTM A333 Grade 6 we provide:
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Factory pricing advantage — direct mill FOB quotes that often undercut local distributor offers. (See China factory bands above.)
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Customization — special lengths, end finishes, heat-treatment and additional testing (impact at specified temperature) on request.
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Stocked items for rapid dispatch — for common sizes we hold inventory for fast delivery; ideal for urgent maintenance projects.
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Export experience and support — full MTCs, packing for export, and shipping support to major ports worldwide.
If your tender requires quick quotes with full test documentation, Luokaiwei can issue factory FOB and CIF offers, list lead times, and arrange third-party inspection where required.
Market dynamics & 2025 outlook
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Input coil and HRC levels in H1–mid-2025 softened compared with the Q1 spike; steel indices show volatility but an overall higher cost base vs pre-2024. That directly influences pipe offers.
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Trade measures (tariffs implemented in 2025 in some major markets) are making domestic options comparatively expensive in certain countries (notably the US), pushing project buyers toward direct imports where permitted. Expect continued regional differences.
Typical commercial terms to request in RFQ
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Material standard: ASTM A333 / A333M – Grade 6 (quote both welded and seamless separately).
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Size spec: NPS/DN, Schedule (or exact wall thickness in mm) referencing ASME B36.10 dimensions.
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Test requirements: MTC EN 10204/3.1 (or 3.2), Charpy V-Notch at specified temperature, hydro test, NDT (UT/RT).
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Quantity, packing, delivery port, and inspection scope.
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Payment & Incoterm: suggest FOB for factory price comparisons; accept CIF or DDP only when you need landed cost certainty.
Global price comparison — examples from online offer listings (sources)
The ranges in section 5 reflect multiple seller listings and market reports from 2024–2025:
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China factory listings and Made-in-China offers often show US$520–750/t for certain sizes and quantities.
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Regional distributor pages in Southeast Asia and Middle East show $1,100–1,900/t ranges depending on packing, testing and delivery.
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US/Europe domestic mill prices and tube mills track higher spot coil indices in 2025; domestic offers can exceed $1,000/t and reach higher where tariffs and mill premiums apply.
FAQs
Q1 — What’s cheaper: welded/ERW A333 or seamless A333 Grade 6?
A: Generally, welded/ERW is less expensive per ton. Seamless commands a premium because of the manufacturing route and higher melt/processing costs; choose seamless for critical cryogenic lines unless welding procedures and testing prove acceptable.
Q2 — How do I convert price per ton to price per meter for a specific schedule?
A: Convert using the weight per meter for the NPS and schedule (ASME B36.10 gives OD and you can compute cross-sectional area × steel density ≈ 7.85 g/cm³). For common sizes, suppliers can provide weight per meter which makes the conversion exact.
Q3 — Does Luokaiwei offer third-party inspection and required impact testing?
A: Yes — we can arrange third-party inspection (BV/SGS/TUV) and supply Charpy impact test reports at the specified temperature as ordered. These services increase cost but reduce project risk.
Q4 — How long are typical lead times in 2025?
A: For stocked common sizes — shipment within 1–3 weeks. For custom seamless mills or large orders requiring specific testing, lead times can be 6–12 weeks. Exact lead time depends on mill schedule and inspection booking.
Q5 — Are there alternatives to ASTM A333 Grade 6?
A: Depending on operating temperature and design requirements, other low-temperature steels or specific alloy grades may be used. Always consult the design code and qualification tests; any substitution must meet the needed notch toughness at the operating temperature.
How Luokaiwei can help you source smarter
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Direct factory quotes (FOB): compare our mill price against local distributor offers.
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Small-lot stock offers: for urgent maintenance, we can supply small lots from stocked inventory with MTCs ready.
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Full export package: packing, MTC, inspection, shipping and optional CIF/DDP landing — tailored for project procurement teams.
If you want, provide the exact size (NPS or DN), schedule, quantity and destination port and Luokaiwei will prepare a firm FOB/CIF quotation with scope of tests and lead time.
