John Wolz

Just over 75% of fastener companies raised prices an average of 8.2% in 2007, about even with the three in four companies that hiked prices an average of 7.7% the previous year.
Nearly 3% of survey respondents had to cut prices in 2007, while 16.8% saw prices flatline.
A 74.3% majority plan to raise prices an average of 6.7% in the next six months, up from the 62.3% who projected average price gains of 5.5% for 2007. About 17% of respondents foresee prices remaining unchanged during the first half of 2008.
More than 80% of distributors achieved average price gains of 9% in 2007, up from the 72% who achieved hikes of 7.1% in 2006. Over 17% held prices steady, while 2.2% were forced to lower prices.
About 77% of manufacturers increased prices an average of 7.2% in 2007, while 17.5% kept prices unchanged.
Among importers, 55.6% increased prices an average of 7.5%, while 15.4% kept prices level and another 15.4% reduced prices in 2007.
Importers were nearly unanimous on price hikes in the next six months, with 92.3% planning price increases of 10.3%. Nearly 74% of distributors committed to boost prices an average of 6.7% in 2008, while 19.6% planned no change.
Roughly seven in 10 manufacturers plan average price hikes of 4.3% in the next six months, while 22.5% don”t foresee any increase. \ �2008 FastenerNews.com