US Glass and Metal Product Costs Rise Sharply in July

Glass and glass product manufacturing prices jumped 1.1% in July 2024, negating a 0.4% decrease in June, according to the United States Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The department recently released its monthly Producer Price Index (PPI).

The PPI measures the price changes paid to U.S. producers of goods and services. The overall PPI for July rose 0.1% from June and has increased 2.2% over the past 12 months.

Prices for several architectural glass and metal product indexes rose in July, including flat glass, metal windows, doors and frames. Year-to-year, glass and glass product manufacturing prices were up 2.2% compared to July 2023. The increase in prices comes as several glass manufacturers have contacted fabricators to inform them that prices will soon rise, forcing them to increase prices.

Glass and Glazing Material Prices

Flat Glass—Flat glass prices rose by 0.4% in July, offsetting a revised 0.5% decline in June. BLS’ flat glass commodity includes specialty glass along with float, sheet and plate processes, which increased by 0.7%. From July 2024 to July 2024, flat glass prices have increased by 1.2%.

Flat Glass Manufacturing—Flat glass manufacturing prices also increased, rising by 1.2% following a revised 0.6% decline in June. July’s jump was the second increase (May) for the flat glass manufacturing sector in the past five months. Year-to-year prices for the commodity were 1.6% higher than in July 2023.

Fabricated Structural Metal Products—The PPI for fabricated structural metal products rose by 0.1% in July, following a revised 0.7% drop in June. Prices for fabricated structural metal products have declined in three of the past five months. Despite July’s slight increase, year-to-year prices remained 1% lower than in July 2023.

Ornamental and Architectural Metalwork—Ornamental and architectural metalwork products remained steady in July, following a 0.1% increase in July. Prices for the commodity have consistently risen throughout 2024. From July 2023 to July 2024, ornamental and architectural metalwork prices have increased by 9.2%. Ornamental architectural metals are designed for aesthetic purposes when placed on high-end buildings.

Metal Windows—Metal window prices rose by 0.2% in July. The commodity has remained relatively stagnant this year, posting marginal price increases. On a year-to-year basis, metal window prices were up 0.4% in July compared to July 2023. Metal windows include window frames comprised of aluminum or steel.

Metal Doors and Frames—Metal door and frame prices increased for the third straight month in July, rising by 0.5%. This follows a revised 0.4% jump in June and a 0.1% increase in May. Year-to-year prices for metal doors and frames were up 2.1% from July 2023 to July 2024.

Builders’ Hardware—The prices for builders’ hardware, including door and window hardware, were flat for the fifth straight month. Year-to-year prices for builders’ hardware products were down 0.9% compared to July 2023.