The Producer Price Index for copper tube and fittings was down 0.4% month-over-month (up 1.4% in the last update) and was down 3.0% year-over-year (also down 1.1% Y/Y last month). 

Producer prices for HDPE pipe were up .2% M/M (down .3% last month) and were down 3.0% Y/Y (down 3.8% Y/Y last month).  

Overall demand is slow and there is uncertainty given crude oil pricing and global scares with coronavirus.

Valve prices, according to the Producer Price Index, were up month-over-month in February by 0.1% (also up 0.2% M/M last month). 

Currently there have been no impacts on supply, capacity through ports and transportation could change that position in the coming weeks. 

The demand for forged steel fittings and seamless nipples will weaken further if oil remains near the $30 / barrel range after March.  

Nickel prices have fallen over the past 30 days to @$5.37 per lb. ($5.84 in the last update

NYMEX domestic hot-rolled coil steel prices were $577 per ton for March futures (also $577 per ton in the last update).  

We expect to see a 5% increase by mid-2020 on the back of projected steel scrap / CW pipe increases.  

Valve prices, according to the Producer Price Index, were up month-over-month in January by 0.2% (up 0.2% M/M last month).