Plate market sources warn availability squeeze has knock-on effects

Some domestic plate market participants recently voiced concerns that current market conditions will impact fabrication and manufacturing, which rely on steady product supply.   

A source explained that his fabrication customers have their own load of backlogged projects to work through. He fears that overreliance on domestic mills for the plate he needs puts him at odds with his customers. The same Midwestern-based service center source has been using imported plate to ensure he can meet his increased demand.