There is continued volatility in commodity metal costs. Copper increased 5.1% in October and stands at 41% higher compared to October, 2016. Zinc and nickel are up 30% and 21%, respectively, for the year.
In particular, the price of copper has a significant effect on costs and it is continuing to rise, currently at its highest level since September 2014. One major bronze valve manufacturer announced a 5% percent price increase on October 1, which appears to be holding, but it also stated that it is planning no further increases through the first half of 2018.