Prices for products are elevated, and one of the main drivers of these price hikes has been the cost of scrap steel. Costs have varied within multiple grades of scrap, but they are running between $354 and $363 a ton. Tariff decisions change the market almost daily as waivers are granted, and that has made the market volatile.

At the moment there is plenty of domestic capacity; capacity utilization numbers are still in the low 60s. A preferred rate of utilization would be between 80% and 85%, and until it is over 85%, there is no shortage.

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.