Current situation: Valve prices, according to the Producer Price Index, were unchanged month-over-month in April. On a year-over-year basis, prices were up 3.3%.

Key factors that could affect supply or price:

• The two major influences on industrial valves; oil and gas and automotive are experiencing a softening. The upstream market has seen a lower rig count year over year. The mid and downstream markets remain strong. Lead times for forged and cast steel have improved from last year.