The latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release confirms what many industry stakeholders have already felt throughout 2025: pricing pressure on glass and metal products is far from easing. After a five-week pause in federal data reporting caused by the U.S. government shutdown, September figures show another month of steady inflation across critical construction and fabrication materials.

In September, glass product commodity prices and manufacturing costs rose by 0.4%, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase. Compared to September 2024, prices within the glass and glass product manufacturing sector were up 4% year on year, reinforcing long-term cost escalation across the supply chain.

The PPI remains a crucial indicator for companies involved in flat glass production, architectural metal systems, and building envelope solutions. It helps manufacturers and glazing contractors anticipate pricing shifts, adjust procurement strategies, and evaluate the broader economic climate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has also signaled that additional PPI releases may be delayed as operations continue recovering from the shutdown.

Glass and Glazing Material Trends

Flat Glass
Flat glass prices increased by 0.1% in September, maintaining a multi-month climb that began in early summer. Since July alone, flat glass costs have risen 4.4%, driven by steady demand in commercial façades, automotive glazing, and residential window production. Year over year, prices stand 4% higher than September 2024.

Flat Glass Manufacturing
For the first time in months, the cost to manufacture flat glass held steady in September, pausing a trend that saw a peak 2.1% jump in July. Despite the temporary halt, manufacturing prices remain 4.4% higher year over year, reflecting sustained energy expenses, furnace maintenance cycles, and raw material volatility.

Architectural Metal and Fenestration Products

Fabricated Structural Metal Products
Prices increased 0.6% in September, following July’s 0.7% rise. The category, which includes beams, columns, and load-bearing framing, has seen a notable 6.7% year-to-year increase, affecting contractors working in high-rise construction and industrial facilities.

Ornamental & Architectural Metalwork
This segment saw a modest 0.1% uptick after two months of flatline performance. Year over year, prices surged 9.8%, impacting manufacturers of handrails, balcony rails, decorative screens, window guards, and other architectural fittings.

Metal Windows
Metal window pricing continued its upward trajectory, rising 0.9% in September and marking consistent growth since May. Compared to last year, prices for metal windows are 7.8% higher, echoing inflation in extrusion, finishing, and fabrication processes.

Metal Doors and Frames
Following a dramatic 6.4% price spike in August, September saw only a 0.1% increase. Still, year-to-year inflation is significant, with prices sitting 11.8% above September 2024 levels.

Builders’ Hardware
Prices remained unchanged for the second month in a row. However, hardware products, including locks, key blanks, and door/window fittings, register an 8.8% annual increase, creating challenges for both distributors and fenestration manufacturers.