The company is upgrading their brass and bronze ball valves with 316 stainless steel balls for enhanced durability and reliability.
April 21, 2026
The “Apollo” stainless steel ball conversion project discontinued the manufacture of chrome-plated brass and bronze balls in early 2025, and standardized production on 316 stainless steel for all brass and bronze ball valve models manufactured in Pageland, South Carolina.
In the United States, the current steel tariff structure is rooted in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which imposes duties of up to 25% on imported steel, with some increases reaching 50% in recent policy adjustments. These tariffs were designed to safeguard domestic manufacturing and national security interests, but they primarily target raw steel and certain derivative categories, leaving gaps that global suppliers have learned to navigate.
The product is available for distribution through Texas Pipe & Supply.
March 16, 2026
Manufactured using Bri-Steel’s advanced Thermal Pipe Expansion process at its Enid, Oklahoma facility, the achievement marks an advancement in domestic seamless pipe capability.
Global supply chain challenges continue to impact the carbon steel fitting and flange marketplace. Lead times have been extending and steel prices remain on the rise. Capitol Manufacturing implemented a new price list sheet that represents a 6% pricing increase on welded carbon steel nipples (Effective Sept. 9).
The Producer Price Index for iron and steel forging was 13.4% higher year-over-year in August (10.0% in the last update). Month-over-month, prices were higher by 2.8% (2.3% in the last update).
Producer prices for steel pipe and tube were up 9.2% month-over-month in August (up 9% last month) and are still near the highest on record. Year-over-year, prices are 63.5% higher (48.8% higher Y/Y last month).
Nickel prices have increased over the past 30 days to @$8.94 per lb. ($8.72 in the last update). Warehouse levels were sharply lower again this month at 177,078 tons (202,896 tons in the last update).
Steel prices are at an all-time high. We have seen a 14% increase already this year (malleable iron and welded nipples) with another 7% expected in Q3 2021.