Commodity metal costs were trending up through September into October. Copper averaged $2.69/lb. in Sept, currently trading in the $2.75 range. 

A round of price increases was implemented by most valve manufacturers in early October in response to the 10% import duty on many Chinese imports related to Section 301 List 3 tariffs. The percentage increase and scope of affected products varied widely among the major valve manufacturers.

We are all waiting to see if the next round of proposed tariffs will be implemented by the USTR effective, which would increase the 10% duty imposed October 1 to 25% effective January 1, 2019. If implemented, there would most certainly be another round of price increases in January/February.

The American Supply Association (ASA) and its Industrial Piping Division (IPD) is the national organization serving wholesaler-distributors and their suppliers in the industrial and mechanical pipe-valve-fitting industry.  As a powerful alliance of channel partners, we provide a forum for your upstream trading partners to exchange critical information and address key issues.

In particular, ASA’s IPD members constantly check the pulse of the materials and commodities they proudly supply to you.  ASA’s IPD members are knowledgeable industry leaders, and those who volunteer their service on the IPD Executive Council compile and prepare the IPD Commodity Reports.  The Reports contain some of the most current and qualified market data and information available from the industry’s leading manufacturers and distributors about emerging trends and other price-influencing actions and events.

This information is an example of how ASA’s IPD manufacturer and distributor members are constantly looking ahead to ensure you have information and resources you need to be successful.  Learn more at www.AdvanceYourAbility.com.