Purchasing

Demand sluggish, prices weak
Global demand for aluminum dropped 4% in 2001, the first appreciable world decline since 1993. Market analysts expected that consumption would bounce back rather briskly this year. It hasn't. Purchasing has yet to recover from a demand deterioration that began in the second half of 2000 and continued through 2001.

• MRO buyers reach for success
• Higher prices seen in 2003 due to stronger demand
• Keeping a parts buy InFocus in Oregon
• Consortium leverages MRO buy for Air Products
• Fine chemical firms chart recovery course
• Spotlight shines on supply management at Unilever
• Improved demand props up polypropylene prices
• Alcoa delivers one-two punch

CPI Edition Buyers Chemicals stay in growth zone Chemforecast Improved demand props up polypropylene prices Chemical Transaction Prices Polymer prices are expanding Purchasing chemical transaction price survey results Fine Chemicals Fine chemical firms chart recovery course Sourcing Strategies Consortium leverages MRO buy for Air Products Sourcing Strategy Spotlight shines on supply management at Unilever Departments Buylines Buyers shift strategies as cost reduction goals grow Kelly named CPO at Leggett & Platt The industry event that comes to you Beware of contract terms that are "inside the box" Consignment: The missing piece of the puzzle? Inside Purchasing What's in a name? Leadtimes Spot shortages abound Logistics Mini mills alter freight buying in the steel industry What's Hot Product Update Industry slump spells good news for tool buyers Readers Sound Off The steelmaker's dilemma

Metals What's Hot Exclusive Business Data Buyers pull back purchasing plans Metals Casting Keeping a parts buy InFocus in Oregon Metals Perspective Gain in nonferrous use not strong enough to boost prices Metals Watch Demand sluggish, prices weak Nickel Higher prices seen in 2003 due to stronger demand Steel Have plate tags peaked? Metaldyne CEO urges auto suppliers to battle over prices Steel bar, rod producers merge North American mills Cleveland steelmaker buys Illinois compact strip mill News Economy How Supply Managers See Business Supply What's Happening in Markets Tip Sheet Key Metrics and Supply Alert Transaction Prices Market prices still inflated Purchasing transaction price survey results