Rising Metal Costs and Our November 30 Price Update: What It Means for You

At Tri County Metals, we believe our customers deserve straight answers, especially when prices change. Here is what's happening in the metal market, how it affects our pricing, and what we're doing to keep your projects moving.

What's changing

Effective November 30, 2026, Tri County Metals will increase prices 4–8% across all steel products.

Current pricing will be honored on estimates dated before November 30 that ship before December 4. If you have jobs ready to go, now is the time to lock them in. Your Tri County Metals representative can help you review open estimates and plan your orders.

Why prices are rising

U.S. steel prices are at their highest level in more than four years. Hot-rolled coil, the base steel used to make metal roofing, is up about 52% from a year ago, and Nucor raised its price again to $1,255 per ton this week (GMK Center). Several factors are driving costs higher:

– Tight mill supply. Planned maintenance outages at U.S. mills are expected to remove more than 1 million tons of hot-rolled coil capacity from September through December, while imports offer limited relief (ChemAnalyst).

– Tariffs and duties. Section 232 tariffs on imported steel remain at 50% (ContractorPlus). In October, the U.S. Department of Commerce also set preliminary anti-dumping duties of roughly 19–23% on coated steel from Korea, raising costs across the import market (Federal Register).

– Labor uncertainty. Steelworker contracts at U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs expired September 1 and are running on short-term extensions while negotiations continue, adding risk to future supply (United Steelworkers).

– Rising painted product costs. Painted metal continues to see regular cost increases from coil suppliers.

Across the industry, metal costs are rising 1–3% each month, and we expect that trend to continue into 2027. Our pricing reflects what is occurring in the supply chain. We know price increases are never welcome news, and we work hard to keep them as small and predictable as possible.

What we're doing for you

Tough market conditions don't change our commitment to our customers. Here's how we're investing to keep your business running smoothly:

– Reliable supply. We have secured material to support our customers' demand into the spring. As supply across the market tightens, you can count on us to have product when you need it.

– Financing to help you sell more jobs. Rising material costs affect homeowners too. Our financing options help make metal roofing more affordable for your customers, so you can close more jobs.

– More on-site roll forming capacity. We now operate three on-site roll forming teams, bringing panel production directly to larger job sites. That means faster project execution and less handling of finished panels.

– Trim production closer to you. Trim manufacturing is now up and running in Ocala, DeLand and Winter Haven, adding capacity and shortening lead times in those markets.

– Technology for better order accuracy. We've implemented a new phone system and are rolling out a project-based estimating system to improve order accuracy and reduce errors from order entry. These tools also free up our team to spend more time on what matters most: responding to you.

– Fewer add-ons and service issues. Every add-on or reorder costs you time on the job. We're improving our processes to get your order right the first time, track the root cause of add-ons, and continue reducing service defects.

Our commitment

Through every market cycle, Tri County Metals remains focused on the things you count on: quality products, dependable supply, responsive service and a team that knows the roofing business. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

Questions about how this update affects your projects? Contact your Tri County Metals representative or your local branch today.