HARDI: Lead Times Dip, Some Spot Availability - But Demand Still Strong

Despite some regional shifts in commercial construction, demand remains robust – while some project delays are creating backlogs that will likely drive additional construction activity in late Q4 and into early 2022, said members of the Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).

Demand for HVAC and other galvanized-intensive steel products remains strong, said members of the wholesale trade group during their monthly conference call on Tuesday, Aug. 31. “Demand is still outpacing supply, tremendously. It’s not just steel. It’s also the labor force,” said one HARDI member.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.