Throughout the recent months Stahl have been able to absorb already significant supply side cost acceleration through internal efficiency gains but the continuing adverse external trends must be shared with customers if they are to maintain the expected levels of service and quality.
Availability of many basic raw materials is also limited due to high demand from the faster growing economies such as China and India which adds further impetus to increasing prices. For example the price of steel is impacting packaging costs whilst alternative plastic materials are immediately linked to the price of oil.
During the remainder of June and July their sales teams around the world will be discussing the drivers forcing this action on prices in more detail with customers.