We’re back, and we have some concerns. That was the over-arching message that came from participants of The Metal Perspective, Ryerson’s twice-annual customer survey, about the current state of their business.

The majority of the nearly 400 manufacturers, fabricators, and machine shops who participated indicated that their business is either back or close to being back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Many, however, have concerns with regards to sourcing material, finding labor, and carrying out processing/fabrication in-house, among others.

Not surprisingly, material was one of the primary concerns in the first half of the year. When asked which factors have had the greatest impact on their business thus far in 2021, most respondents pointed to higher prices (44%) and material shortages (38%).

Shifting focus to the second half of the year, it seems the primary concerns for many are moving more in-house—and their in-house labor capabilities. Roughly 41% of respondents cited their ability to find skilled labor as their biggest concern for the remainder of 2021. Furthermore, 62% of respondents are concerned with the cost/resources associated with fabricating parts in-house.

Other concerns were pointed in a different direction, towards Washington, D.C. Roughly 33% believe the U.S. government played the biggest role in rising price/shortage of metals over the past 12 months. Another roughly 30% are dissatisfied with the current administration specifically, saying the change in administration has hurt their business thus far in 2021.

Overall, while a growing number of respondents are bouncing back to pre-COVID business conditions, the struggles that have plagued them from both a material sourcing and production perspective remain prevalent. As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

For a full look at the results, download your copy of The Metal Perspective here. 

 

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