Glass Product Prices Rise in June, Ending Run of Falling Rates

Glass and glass product manufacturing prices increased in June 2023, following two months of declining prices. This is according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which released its monthly Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday.

BLS reports that glass and glass product manufacturing prices rose 0.8% in June. The sector had seen revised price decreases of 0.3% (April) and 0.4% (May). Year-to-year, glass and glass product manufacturing prices are up an unadjusted 9.8%.

PPI is a key measure of U.S. inflation that monitors the wholesale prices producers receive for goods and services. Overall, the PPI for final demand in June increased by 0.1%. This follows a 0.4% decline in May and a 0.1% increase in April.

Glass and Glazing Material Prices

Flat Glass – Flat glass prices concluded a three-month run of falling prices. The segment posted a 0.7% price increase in June. Flat glass product prices had decreased by a revised 0.6% in May, 0.3% in April and 0.1% in March. Year-to-year, flat glass prices are up by 8.5%.

Flat Glass Manufacturing – Flat glass manufacturing prices jumped 2.1% in June. The segment also experienced a revised 0.3% price increase in May. May’s reading concluded a run of two straight months of declining prices. Year-to-year, flat glass manufacturing prices are up 7.7%.

Fabricated Structural Metal Products – Fabricated metal products bucked the trend of rising prices and posted a 0.7% decline in June. This is the second consecutive month that prices for fabricated structural metal products declined. Year-to-year, prices for this segment are down 2.0%.

Ornamental and Architectural Metalwork – The run of marginal price fluctuations continued for ornamental and architectural metalwork. The segment recorded a 0.2% decrease in June following a revised 0.1% increase in May. Year-to-year, ornamental and architectural metalwork prices are down 1.4%.

Metal Windows – Metal window prices dropped 0.1% in June, continuing a trend of depressed prices for metal products and increased prices for glass products. The price for metal windows has remained relatively stable since February, only posting a 0.1% increase in March. Year-to-year, metal prices are up 1.8%.

Metal Doors and Frames – Metal door and frame prices remained unchanged for the second consecutive month. Metal door and frame prices last increased in April (0.8%). Year-to-year, prices for metal doors and frames are up 1.7%.

Builders’ Hardware – Builders’ hardware prices remained steady in June. The segment, which includes window hardware, has posted just one price increase (March) since February. Year-to-year, prices for builders’ hardware are up 4.6%.