📊 What's Up (or Down) with Prices?
|
Metal |
Q1 Price |
Q2 Price |
Trend |
|
Tin |
$29,900/ton |
$30,390/ton |
🔺 Up slightly (+1.6%) |
|
Lead |
$2,040/ton |
$1,968/ton |
🔻 Down (-3.5%) |
|
Copper |
$4.30/lb |
$4.31/lb |
🔹 Flat (holding steady) |
|
Silver |
$31.33/oz |
$30.82/oz |
🔻 Down (-1.6%) |
|
Steel (HRC) |
$720/st |
$700/st |
🔻 Down (-2.8%) |
➡️ Prices are from early Q2 (April–May), compared to Q1 (Jan–March).
🔧 What It Means for You
-
Tin & Copper: Staying strong — especially important if you work with electronics or solder.
-
Lead & Silver: Slipping — could mean slower movement in automotive or industrial areas.
-
Steel: Slight dip — possibly good news for anyone sourcing raw material soon.
🌎 Big Picture Trends
-
Copper Crunch: Expect a global shortage in 2025, especially for electrical and tech uses.
-
China Cools Down: Less demand for steel from China = ripple effects worldwide.
-
Tariff Talk: More countries are adding trade rules that could raise costs or slow delivery.
-
Made Closer to Home: Many companies are rethinking where they get materials — and how much they keep on hand.
🔮 What to Watch This Quarter
-
If you buy solder, copper, or tin: Budget for possible price bumps and longer lead times.
-
Keep an eye on tariffs: These could shift pricing or availability fast.
- Silver and lead users: Lower prices may be a short-term buying opportunity.
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