U.S. flat glass manufacturing costs soared 1.9% in September, continuing summer trend

Glass product and manufacturing prices rose for the third consecutive month, rising 0.5% in September. This is based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, which recently released its monthly producer price index (PPI). Compared with September 2023, the manufacturing price of glass and glass products in September increased by 2.9% year-on-year.

PPI measures changes in prices paid to U.S. producers of goods and services. It can indicate the ups and downs of consumer inflation. If PPI rises, prices of goods and services for consumers may rise as producers pass on increased costs to buyers.

Overall final demand PPI remained unchanged in September, but rose 1.8% from a year ago. However, glass prices rose in September as flat glass prices and manufacturing rose more than 1%.

Flat glass-Flat glass prices rose 1% in September. This is another increase after a 0.3% increase in August and a revised 0.4% increase in July. The most recent decline was 0.5% in June. Compared with September 2023, flat glass prices increased by 3.1% year-on-year.

Flat glass manufacturing-The cost of making flat glass rose 1.9% in September after rising 0.8% in August and 1.3% in July. Compared with September 2023, flat glass manufacturing prices increased by 5.8% year-on-year.

Metal Products-Prices of processed metal products continued to climb, rising 0.5% in September. This is another increase after August (0.9%) and July (0.3%). The last time the prices of these products fell was in June (-0.7%). Compared with the same period last year, the price of processed metal products fell 0.1%.

Decorative and building metalwork-Decorative and building metalwork prices remained unchanged in September after rising 0.1% in August. This continued relatively unchanged prices throughout the summer. The last significant price increase was 3.3% in May. Despite the slowdown, decorative and construction metalwork still rose 8.6% compared to September 2023. Decorative architectural metals are designed for aesthetic purposes when placed on high-end buildings.

Metal windows-Metal window prices remained unchanged in September, ending two months of small price increases: August (0.1%) and July (0.2%). Compared with the same period last year, metal window prices in September increased by 0.4% compared with September 2023. Metal windows include window frames made of aluminum or steel.

Metal doors and frames-Prices for metal doors and frames remained stagnant in September. Product prices fell in August for the first time in months, down 0.1%. Compared with September 2023, the year-on-year price of metal doors and frames increased by 1%.

Builders 'hardware-Prices for builders' hardware (including door and window hardware) remained unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. Compared with September 2023, the year-on-year price of builders 'hardware products fell by 0.6%.