Purchasing

Suppliers must boost service to buyers
A quick review of metals distribution: "Business conditions continued to deteriorate in 2002, with service center industry shipments down again for the year," says Neil Novich, chief executive officer of industry leader Ryerson Tull Inc. in Chicago. "For 2003, we are not assuming any improvement in underlying industry conditions, and believe there is still downside macroeconomic risk.

• Top 100 Chemical Distributors
• Buyers need less tonnage: use fewer distribution sources
• 12 tips that shred sheet costs
• Steel pricing stinks!
• No more magic
• Supply base consolidates, moves to India, China
• Producers hike prices as their costs soar
• The Top 100 face uncertainty

CPI Edition Chemforecast: Ethylene Producers hike prices as their costs soar Chemical Distribution 2003 The Top 100 face uncertainty CPI Buyers' News Supply base consolidates, moves to India, China Feedstock cost run has stalled Biz index drops with start of war Top 100 Chemical Distributors Top 100 Chemical Distributors Departments Buylines Economy engine idles as war in Iraq clouds outlook Sellers apply more science to pricing Inside Purchasing How to buy steel better Leadtimes Stretching trend eases Logistics Preparing to consolidate inbound shipments Briefs What's Hot

Metals What's Hot Aluminum Pacific Northwest ingot supply shows no signs of improving Supplier execs feel anextra pinch from war Copper Codelco tries to balance supply with demand TW Metals sells red metal inventories Service Center Report Buyers need less tonnage: use fewer distribution sources Top 100 Metals Service Centers Suppliers must boost service to buyers News Economy How Supply Managers See Business Prices Factors Affecting Product Cost Tip Sheet Key Metrics and Supply Alert Transaction Prices Inflation trend ends Purchasing transaction price survey results