Prices stabilized around the $4.30 level after the White House postponed new tariffs for 90 days. Since then, copper has regained some ground, supported by signals that Washington may be pursue negotiations with China and by rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in June.
Each month, as a free member benefit, ASA publishes the ASA Commodities Report, which provides updates and analysis on nine metals and plastics categories — all written by members of ASA’s Industrial Piping Division.
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).
