PCI 2004 Increase?

[jshefftz]

Any ideas what is behind the double-digit % increase in the CE PCI for 2004?
The last several years are in the low single digits, sometimes even negative.
Yet starting in early 2004, and continuing pretty much throughout the entire year, the monthly values just go on a tear.
This doesn’t seem to match up with any economy-wide trends of the same magnitude?
Thanks in advance for any feedback/insight!
-- Jonathan Shefftz
Senior Associate
Industrial Economics, Inc.
Cambridge, Mass.

 

[Latexman]

Tight supply and escalating prices of alloys are one of the main reasons. Stainless steel prices are up ~50% from last year.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[StoneCold]

jsheftz
Short supplies due to china coming on as a major global buyer and I believe that rebuilding Iraq is also a factor.