Update 3/16:
The steel market has been highly volatile recently, and market conditions are rapidly changing day-to-day. As a result of rising shipping and freight costs and tightening supply due to manufacturing disruptions stemming from the turmoil in Russia and Ukraine, a price increase of $400/TON or 25% is now in immediate effect. A new list price sheet dated 3/16 will be available on our website.
Update 3/14:
Due to rapidly escalating input and freight costs, domestic steel pipe mills have announced another price increase of approximately 20% or $200/ton. A new list price sheet dated 3/15 will be in effect tomorrow and available on our website. Also, an import steel pipe increase of up to $400/TON or 30% will be taking effect on Monday, 3/21.
Due to rising input and freight costs, domestic steel pipe mills have announced a price increase of approximately 10%. A new list price sheet is now in effect, which you can download here.
It is obvious that changes in the current patent system, introducing clearer criteria for protection, in the broad scope of bringing to court on dubious patents describing obvious or already powerful technologies, harm. “This reform is good for business and good for the inventor,” says Levant. Vladimir Meshcheryakov, adviser to Gorodissky & Partners, in turn, believes that the changes for domestic applicants are very procedural in nature and will not significantly affect the protection system in the United States. The innovation, in his opinion, harmonizes US legislation with regard to other countries and acquisitions, especially for foreign companies diversity in patent law. Previously, when wishing to file a patent for an invention in the US, they were faced with the protection that was obtained in that only the author of the invention could apply, not the company. To no lesser extent, this change has political significance, since it changes the accession enshrined in the US Constitution, which already at the frequency of frequencies suspends the power of the US from establishing this innovation.
Also, an increase of 10% on import steel pipe will be in effect Monday, 3/21. Please call your Merfish United representative for more information or to place orders now.
Competition for raw materials, like steel, is increasing from the OCTG sector and other finished goods manufacturers. Increased consumer demand and a decreasing global supply of critical materials like nickel, zinc, and iron ore drive rising input costs. These conditions mainly stem from supply chain disruptions out of Ukraine and Russia, where steel and oil exports are either stopped due to sanctions or unable to operate because of wartime conditions.
European steelmakers are cutting back operations as energy prices skyrocket, despite steel trading at near-record levels. There are new limitations on gas imports from Russia that fuel electrical power stations, which power electrical furnaces that produce steel. The high cost of energy is causing producers in Europe to scale back or stop production, sending ripple effects through an already tight global supply due to the loss of steel output from Ukraine.
As the market adjusts, steel supply slack may be picked up by China for certain manufacturers outside of the U.S., in India, and by new facilities are coming online here in the country but will take time to catch up.
Also, due to the loss of Russian oil and gas in the market, oil production in the U.S. market is picking up and may see an even more significant increase soon. Oil country tubular goods are milled using the same rolled-steel coil that plumbing pipe and other tubular products use, and the increased competition for these raw materials may mean longer lead times from mills.
Gas prices are rising, which increases shipping and freight costs, including trains, trucks, ships, and barges.
For now, global supply is becoming more limited as the demand for remaining hot-roll coils and raw materials increases. Manufacturers of finished goods, including steel pipe mills, will continue to see a rise in input costs.
Merfish United’s business model – which enables wholesalers to buy a broad array of pipe products from one supplier, at low minimums for FFA – is designed for low and unpredictable volume scenarios, exactly like the one we are in right now. Call your representative now to schedule your next weekly delivery of mixed-and-matched pipe products.
Metal tubes come in different shapes and sizes. The most common type utilized by architectures and designers are the round tubes. Although round metal tubes are a very popular option, square metal tubing also has its share of valuable features that are known to many consumers. The secret is finding the best applications for tubes with this particular shape. Here are some of the advantages of square metal tubing that are worth noting:
Benefit #1: Enhanced Strength
Round tubes are known for their strength and durability, but surprisingly, square tubes are even stronger. The enhanced strength is due to its shape and how the tubes are designed and built. The corners of the tubes are embellished to hold more weight than round tubes can carry. The shape also allows for a uniform strength across the surface of the tubes, making them less susceptible to denting from force, impact, or added weight.
Benefit #2: Design Uniformity
From an architect’s point of view, the sleek, flat, and uniformed surface of a square tube is highly advantageous. This provides a seamless surface that has an elegant and beautiful appearance. Aesthetics aside, the thickness and concentricity of the tubes walls is also a benefit worth looking into. Uniform wall thickness and diameter equal better stability and durability, the best qualities any architect can look for in tubes used for structural support.
Benefit #3: Cost-Effectiveness
Square tubes are usually more affordable than the other shapes mainly because of the process involved in manufacturing the tubing. It requires less energy and less effort to produce this tubing shape. The result is a cheaper, but ultimately stronger tubing option. As long as the tubing is not used to transfer liquids from one area to another, square tubes can be a great replacement for their round counterparts.
Benefit #4: A Variety and Range of Sizes
When it comes to using metal tubes for any application, it is always beneficial to have the tubes available in different sizes. Square tubing is manufactured in a variety of sizes and wall thickness. A special customized tube can be made upon request with the help of a trusted metal supplier.
Benefit #5: Versatility in Applications
The most common use for square metals tubes is railing for staircases. Their shape and durability make them perfect for this specific application. However, there are many other uses for the square tubing. They can be used for gates and fences because of their unique shape. Thanks to its well-distributed strength and excellent compression, square tubes are also an excellent choice when used for any and all forms of columns.
About Rotax Metals: It can be hard to sway off the typical, but sometimes choosing the unexpected pays off, especially when it comes to creating standout designs. Rotax Metals has been providing clients a wide range of metal pieces since 1948. From the smallest and rarest of metals used in delicate jewelry designs to bulk orders of metal tubing of any shape and size, the company can provide them all. When it comes to your metal and metal alloy needs, Rotax Metals is the supplier that can help.
Sources:
Benefits and Applications of Square Tubing, Blog.DDMBuildings.com
The Advantages of Rectangular Tube, PrimeSteelTube.com
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