Valve prices, according to the Producer Price Index, were up 0.9% month-over-month in August (up 0.6% last month). On a year-over-year basis, prices were up 4.2% (up 3.4% last month).

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 copper tube and fittings was up 0.1% month-over-month (-2.8% in the last update), but was up 74.8% year-over-year (up 85.8% Y/Y last month).

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).

Producer prices for HDPE pipe were up 4.6% M/M (up 8.1% last month) and were up 61.5% Y/Y (up 58.1% Y/Y last month). Plastic pipe fittings and unions were up 2.6% M/M (up 6.3% last month) and were up 41.2% Y/Y (up 31.8% last month).

Inventory levels are stable and keeping pace with current demand, as we see in some of the producer prices. Lead times are expected to remain low.

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.