Buyers plan to boost buying activity next quarter
By Staff -- Purchasing, 4/6/2000 2:00:00 AM
The majority (60%) of metals buyers polled in March expect to increase their purchasing activity in the second and third quarters, which reflects the high level of optimism (76%) expressed about this year's manufacturing economy. It also reflects somewhat tighter supply from the mills and distributors. Forty-five percent saw mill supplies tightening in March, as compared with 33% in February and 25% in January. Similarly, 25% said distributor supplies were tightening last month, as compared with 10% in February and 14% in January. Still, most survey respondents (49% of mill buyers and 67% who source from distributors) see supplies as normal.
Gauging in-house inventories seems to be a bit of a problem for buyers, though. Fifty-three percent of the buyers said in-house stocks were on target with anticipated needs, 28% thought they had more than they needed, and 19% thought they might be a little light on stock. However, while 38% thought they would have to buy more than usual in the second quarter to achieve the desired stock-to-production ratio, 43% said they would maintain existing inventory levels and another 19% planned to cut their in-house inventories.
Optimistic buyers plan to resume purchasing
11/01/2000DRAM prices jump 21% in third quarter
10/22/2009Buyers plan to spend more on tooling
05/02/2007
Now Playing: 