December 2012 Hardware Continued Rally

In recent days, the hardware market has seen a noticeable shift as rising raw material costs have started to impact product pricing. Many small commodity categories have experienced price fluctuations, with hardware products continuing to show strong momentum in the market.

Local hardware shops and suppliers report that prices for various items have increased, with some seeing minor hikes of just a few cents, while others have gone up by several dollars. According to recent data, 15 major categories of small commodities have shown mixed trends, but hardware remains one of the most active sectors.

Among these categories, electrical and electronic products saw a significant rise last week, climbing 2.07 points to reach 104.89, marking a recent high. Hardware and electrical materials also continued their upward trend, increasing by 1.62 points to 101.63. On the other hand, watch glasses fell after two weeks of decline, dropping 1.62 points to 98.49, falling below the 100-point threshold. Meanwhile, toys, jewelry, and textiles saw slight rebounds, while accessories, packaging, and sports entertainment products experienced modest declines.

In the 97 secondary categories, locks, general equipment, and rain gear topped the list with increases of 7.02, 6.74, and 5.6 points respectively. Conversely, measurement tools, office supplies, and educational toys were among the biggest losers, falling by 3.99, 2.53, and 2.25 points.

Hardware car prices are on the rise

Market monitoring shows that rising production costs have led to higher product prices. New items such as scooters and swing cars are becoming more popular, with foreign buyers frequently inquiring. Folding bikes, leisure bikes, mountain bikes, and suspension cars are all performing well in the market. Shopping carts and flatbed carts are selling steadily in local and surrounding areas. Electric scooters, in particular, have seen a clear price increase. Retailers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, hoping for a stronger rebound later in the day.

Decoration hardware is enjoying solid domestic sales

In terms of locks, ordinary deadbolts, mortise locks, furniture locks, and bicycle chain locks are all experiencing good demand. Mid-to-high-end products like handle locks, anti-theft locks, and magnetic card locks are primarily being sold from existing inventory. On the export front, glass door locks and roller door locks continue to be popular with returning customers. As the year draws to a close, there's a small wave of home improvement activity, including new doors, windows, and bathroom fixtures, which is bringing renewed life to the decorative hardware sector. Locks, in particular, are showing strong momentum.