Stainless Steel Surcharges
Why do Surcharges exist on Stainless Steel? The purpose of the surcharge is offset the rapid increase and fluctuating costs of raw materials included in each individual alloy. The alloy surcharge is ...
Blog - Page 3
NICKEL UPDATE - 250% PRICE INCREASE
Nickel, used in stainless steel wire and electric-vehicle batteries increased 250% in two days from $11/lb to $50/lb,
Intermodal vs. Truck
When shipping to and within the continental US, it is important to consider all the factors when selecting whether to ship Intermodal or Truck. Intermodal freight (INU) involves moving freight by t...
Wire Pricing Softening 2nd Qtr 2022 - Postponed; Ukrainian War
On 2/28/2022, we published a blog stating that we expected wire pricing and lead times to stabilize and potentially start to decline to begin the 2nd quarter, 2022. We also stated that our industry is...
Q1 2022 Metal Pricing in a Volatile Market
The market for first quarter 2022 has been volatile and now with the attack on the Ukraine it could get even more volatile should crude oil prices increase, but here is what we know thus far. ...
Ocean Freight Rate Forecasts for 2022
Ocean freight charges have reflected difficulties with lack of limited container space, port congestion, truck shortages and increased freight rates. The blockage of the Suez Canal led to a financia...
Ocean Freight Rate Forecasts for 2022
Ocean freight charges have reflected difficulties with lack of limited container space, port congestion, truck shortages and increased freight rates. The blockage of the Suez Canal led to a financia...
Cost Drivers for the Steel Industry
Since Q42020 the price of steel has risen to unprecedented rates. Even with the US steel industry fighting to keep tariffs in place, an ongoing rise in steel are eating away at profit margins. Is reli...
Q1 2022 Metal Pricing in a Volatile Market
The market for first quarter 2022 has been volatile and now with the attack on the Ukraine it could get even more volatile should crude oil prices increase, but here is what we know thus far. • N...
Wire Pricing Softening 2nd Qtr 2022
As many of you know, wire pricing and lead times have jumped significantly over the last year, 2021. On average, we saw price increases approaching 60% for some materials and lead times increasing to ...
Cost Drivers for the Steel Industry
Since Q42020 the price of steel has risen to unprecedented rates. Even with the US steel industry fighting to keep tariffs in place, an ongoing rise in steel is eating away at profit margins. Is reli...
Ocean Freight - Capitalism Extreme?
Western Steel & Wire procures containers of wire from our international wire mills. This requires ocean freight to get it here. We have seen ocean freight fluctuate as much as 6 X in just one year...