CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS - OCTOBER 2026

Current Market Conditions

October 19, 2026

Pricing and Lead Times

Material pricing and lead times have tightened over the past 90 days. The primary factors are stronger demand for base materials, steel mills’ rapidly filling 2027 order books, and higher energy costs. These conditions are increasing production and transportation expenses while reducing scheduling flexibility. As mill capacity becomes committed, customers should anticipate continued pricing pressure and longer lead times for upcoming projects.

Long-Span Joists and Girders

Joists and girders longer than 50 feet are experiencing the greatest capacity constraints. Only a limited number of plants can efficiently produce these longer members, and available production slots are being reserved quickly. Demand is also increasing as more projects are converted from wide-flange beams to joist systems. Projects requiring long-span members may therefore require earlier coordination and procurement to maintain planned schedules.

Steel Coil Supply

Steel coil allocations are also being reported across the market, indicating that some suppliers are limiting available quantities as demand increases. Steel Encounters’ purchasing volume and supplier relationships should help reduce the risk of material shortages. However, constrained supply may still affect future pricing and availability, particularly if demand continues to outpace mill production.

Quote and Pricing Commitments

We will continue to honor each quote through the “good through” date stated in our proposal, with pricing held through the specified delivery dates. This approach provides cost certainty as long as the quoted schedule remains unchanged. If a quote expires or a delivery date is extended, pricing will need to be adjusted to reflect any supplier increases received during that period. Joist and deck pricing is currently increasing by approximately $50 per ton per month, making timely approvals and schedule coordination increasingly important.

Please contact me with any questions.

Brian Tlustosch

Executive Vice President

Steel Encounters