Loftis Steel and Aluminum, Inc.

What Are Metal Surcharges? A metal surcharge is an additional fee that companies apply to the price of metal products to account for fluctuations in the cost of raw materials. The price of metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and others can vary widely due to market conditions, changes in demand, supply chain disruptions, or geopolitical factors. Instead of constantly changing the base price of their products, companies add a surcharge to reflect these volatile material costs. Key Points about Metal Surcharges: Fluctuating Metal Prices: Metal prices can rise or fall due to market dynamics, including the cost of raw materials, energy prices, import/export tariffs, and global supply chain issues. Separate Charge: A metal surcharge is typically listed as a separate line item on an invoice, allowing buyers to see the base product price and the additional cost due to metal price changes. Transparency: This practice helps businesses maintain transparency, as they can clearly communicate how global market prices affect the final cost without constantly adjusting product prices. Temporary: Since the surcharge is tied to market prices, it can be adjusted or removed when metal prices stabilize. Go read the full blog at https://lnkd.in/eN376pCh

The latest economic reports released in February signal a slightly rosier outlook for the sector. Manufacturing activity crossed into expansion territory for the first time in over two years, and hiring saw a modest increase. However, the broader picture remains complex, with ongoing inflationary pressures and some surprising trade deficit data tempering overall optimism. This month, we’re exploring the latest numbers shaping the sector's outlook, including fresh insights into manufacturing activity, labor trends, inflation pressures, business outlook, and more! click the link for the whole article. https://lnkd.in/gfzCkTKK

President Trump Announces Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum...What it means! With Donald Trump now sworn in for a second non-consecutive term as President of the United States, the news is moving fast for U.S. manufacturers. More than 20 executive orders were signed on Trump’s first whirlwind day in office, while more are continuing to roll in. This article will examine the executive orders and proposals that are most impactful to manufacturers and revisit some of Trump’s longstanding policies. Read whole article: https://lnkd.in/dCSNNi3x

The last of 9 steps for choosing a metal supplier for your business. Check out the whole list here. https://lnkd.in/egBYM7VT

U.S. Manufacturing Activity Breaks 26-Month Losing Streak, Rebounding into Expansion in January Following 26 consecutive months of contraction, activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector rebounded at last into expansion in January. U.S. Manufacturing Activity Trends The ISM Manufacturing PMI® increased by another 1.7% in January, reaching 50.9%, crossing the boundary that separates expansion from contraction. U.S. industrial companies saw a notable increase in new orders and production, while employment in the sector also grew. On the flip side, prices continued to rise, reflecting increased cost pressures. Meanwhile, supplier deliveries slowed slightly, inventories contracted, and both export and import activities expanded. Here’s a closer look at the latest metrics: Key Metrics at a Glance • New Orders Index Continues to Expand: The New Orders Index rose 3 percentage points to 55.1%, marking the third consecutive month of expansion after seven months of contraction. This improvement suggests a strengthening rebound in demand. • Production Returns to Expansion: The Production Index increased by 2.6 percentage points to 52.5%, moving into expansion territory after eight months of contraction, reflecting a rise in output as manufacturers respond to demand. • Employment Grows: The Employment Index rose by 4.9 percentage points to 50.3%, indicating an expansion in workforce as businesses adjust staffing levels. • Prices Increase: The Prices Index rose 2.4 percentage points to 54.9%, signaling an increase in price pressures. • Supplier Deliveries Slow Marginally: The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 50.9%, up 0.8 percentage point, indicating slightly slower deliveries as suppliers manage capacity. • Inventories Contract: The Inventories Index fell by 2.5 percentage points to 45.9%, suggesting a reduction in inventory levels. See full article. https://lnkd.in/esAUqB2U

Here are a few more steps when choosing a metal supplier for your company. Remember to click the link in the comments section for the full blog.

How do you choose the right metal supplier for your business?

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