Cost of Glass Products, Manufacturing Rise for Fourth Straight Month, Says BLS

The prices for glass products and the costs to manufacture those products increased by 0.2% in October. This is the fourth consecutive month that prices related to glass products and glass manufacturing have risen, according to the United States Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

BLS releases its Producer Price Index (PPI) monthly. It measures the price changes paid to U.S. producers of goods and services. It can indicate ebbs and flows in consumer inflation. If the PPI rises, consumers’ prices for goods and services could increase as producers pass along increased costs to their buyers.

According to BLS’ data, on a year-to-year basis, glass and glass product manufacturing prices were up 2.7% in October compared to October 2023. The PPI for overall final demand rose by 0.2% in October, following a revised 0.1% increase in September. In the 12 months through October, the PPI increased 2.4% after expanding by 1.9% in September.

Glass and Glazing Material Prices

Flat Glass—Flat glass prices rose for the fourth straight month following a 0.1% increase in October. Prices for the commodity rose in September (0.2%), August (0.2%) and July (0.4%). The last drop was 0.5% in June. Year-to-year, flat glass prices were up 2.1% compared to October 2023.

Flat Glass Manufacturing—Flat glass manufacturing prices also rose for the fourth consecutive month. The cost of manufacturing flat glass increased by 0.4% in October, following a 0.4% increase in September, a 0.5% increase in August and a 1% increase in July. Flat glass manufacturing prices were up 4.2% yearly compared to October 2023.

Fabricated Structural Metal Products—The price of fabricated structural metal products rose yet again, climbing by 0.6% in October. This follows a 0.5% increase in September, a 0.6% increase in August and a 0.3% increase in July. However, on a year-to-year basis, fabricated structural metal products prices were down 0.5% in October compared to October 2023. 

Ornamental and Architectural Metalwork—The prices of ornamental and architectural metalwork products remained unchanged in October. This follows a relatively stable period for the commodity throughout the second half of 2024. Despite moderation, ornamental and architectural metalwork products remained up 8.6% compared to October 2023. 

Metal Windows—Metal window prices ticked up slightly in October, rising by 0.1%. On a year-to-year basis, metal window prices were up 0.5% in October compared to October 2023. Metal windows include window frames comprised of aluminum or steel.

Metal Doors and Frames—Prices for metal doors and frames jumped 1.6% in October, following no changes in September and a 0.1% drop in August. Year-to-year prices were up 2.6% compared to October 2023.

Builders’ Hardware—The prices for builders’ hardware, including door and window hardware, were unchanged for the fifth consecutive month. Year-to-year prices for builders’ hardware products were down 0.6% in October compared to October 2023. The builders’ hardware commodity includes lock units, key blanks and door and window hardware.